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Brain Tumors That Glow in the Dark, a Big Help for Surgeons

by Savitha C Muppala on Nov 2 2011 7:39 PM

A recent development that enables tumours to glow in the dark holds promise in the treatment of malignant brain tumours.

 Brain Tumors That Glow in the Dark, a Big Help for Surgeons
A recent development that enables tumours to glow in the dark holds promise in the treatment of malignant brain tumours.
A trial is on in the UK for patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma.

As a part of the trial, more than 60 patients will receive injections of 5-amino-levulinic acid (5-ALA), which will be converted into a fluorescent chemical in the tumour. The tumor will then glow when  placed under a UV light.

This fluorescent colour of the tumor helps surgeons clearly view the edges of the tumor, so that the tumor can be removed completely from the brain.



Source-Medindia


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