Show-Me State Times

Researchers at the University of Missouri, in collaboration with other institutions, have developed a new imaging probe that may significantly improve the accuracy of brain cancer surgeries. This innovation aims to aid surgeons in identifying and removing aggressive tumors more effectively, particularly glioblastoma, which is known for its complexity and resistance to treatment.

The study detailing this advancement was published in Nature Publishing Group Imaging. The imaging tool combines a fluorescent dye with a fatty acid molecule that cancer cells absorb. Once inside the body, these tumor cells glow under near-infrared light, helping reveal hidden cancerous areas.

Glioblastoma poses significant surgical challenges due to its diffuse nature, spreading into healthy brain tissue microscopically. "Surgery remains one of the primary treatments for many cancers," said Elena Goun, associate professor of chemistry at the University of Missouri and lead author of the study. She emphasized the difficulty in removing glioblastoma without harming essential brain functions.

The new probe, named FA-ICG, links a natural long-chain fatty acid to indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved dye used in surgical imaging. This approach allows glioblastoma cells to absorb it more than normal brain cells due to their affinity for fatty acids.

"Surgeons would view a monitor during surgery showing where the probe is lighting up," Goun explained. If fluorescence persists, it indicates remaining cancerous tissue that needs removal.

Currently approved imaging dyes like 5-ALA have limitations such as requiring darkened operating rooms and causing photosensitivity post-surgery. In contrast, FA-ICG works under normal lighting conditions and offers better visualization without these drawbacks.

Rutger Balvers from Erasmus University Medical Center noted that FA-ICG's selectivity and visual properties surpass current options: "We think that the upside of FA-ICG compared to what we have now is that it's more select in targeting tumor cells."

Michael Chicoine from MU Health Care highlighted potential benefits: "This fluorescent metabolically linked tool gives you real-time imaging." He suggested combining it with MRIs for comprehensive assessments during operations.

Researchers are exploring additional applications for FA-ICG beyond glioblastoma surgery—potentially aiding follow-up treatments or even photodynamic therapy by leveraging its light-activated properties against cancer cells.

Clinical trials are anticipated to begin soon in Europe focusing on patient tolerance levels alongside performance comparisons between existing tools like MRIs versus this novel technique within neurosurgical teams worldwide already expressing interest according Laura Mezzanotte from Erasmus' Department Radiology Nuclear Medicine who co-authored publication