Brain metastases: identification of residual tumors
Does fluorescent marking facilitate the surgical removal of tumors?
Physicians from Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems (KL Krems, Austria) present results of the world's most extensive study headed by the MedUni Vienna investigating the value of 5-aminolevulinic acid in surgery of brain metastases
Krems (Austria), May 19th, 2020 – Two-thirds of brain metastases give off fluorescence following administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid, which could potentially assist surgeons in identifying such tumors. However, fluorescence patterns are often heterogeneous or vague, which limits their practical benefits. These were the key findings of a major study performed by Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems (KL Krems) and headed by the Medical University of Vienna, published in the Journal of Neurosurgery. The study looked at 150 patients, making this the world’s most comprehensive research project of its kind to date. It has also delivered significant results, which will form a valuable basis for developing this potentially useful technique.
The work performed by the team headed by Dr. Marhold and Prof. Widhalm demonstrates the strong practical relevance of the neuro-oncological research carried out at KL Krems and MedUni Vienna. The research addresses the needs of day-to-day clinical practice, and makes a significant contribution to discovering, developing, improving and evaluating treatment options.
Complete text of the press release for download: www.kl.ac.at/en/press/releases/brain-metastases
