• The appearance of 5-ALA in the OR. On the left is an intraoperative picture of a brain tumor resection using normal light. On the right, the same view when UV light is applied. The area of the tumor is seen as a fluorescent pink color.
  
  • Administration of an oral dose of this medicine leads to the production of fluorescent molecules within the glioma cells
  • Glioma cells have an increased metabolism and absorb higher doses of this chemical
  • A special fluorescent filter attached to the microscope allows the visualization of the glioma tumor which is seen as bright pink when UV light is shone upon it
  • Using 5-ALA guidance for the resection of high grade gliomas has been shown to increase extent of resection and improve outcomes.

The appearance of 5-ALA in the OR. On the left is an intraoperative picture of a brain tumor resection using normal light. On the right, the same view when UV light is applied. The area of the tumor is seen as a fluorescent pink color.