5-ALA Fluorescence Image Guided Resection of Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Meta-Analysis of the Literature

Samy Eljamel1

  • 1Neurological Surgery, High Tech Neuro & Micro Surgery, Edinburgh EH3 8JB, UK. professer.ms.eljamel@gmail.com.

Abstract

Insights

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence image-guided resection significantly improves gross total resection rates and time to tumor progression in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. This technique offers high sensitivity and specificity for enhanced local control.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
  • Local disease progression is a primary cause of mortality in GBM patients.
  • Fluorescence image-guided resection (FIGR) is a promising approach to improve surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To perform a meta-analysis on the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced FIGR in GBM.
  • To evaluate the impact of 5-ALA-FIGR on gross total resection (GTR) rates.
  • To assess the effect of 5-ALA-FIGR on tumor progression and overall survival.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of 503 publications.
  • Inclusion of 20 studies with 565 GBM patients treated with 5-ALA-FIGR.
  • Analysis of 800 histological samples for sensitivity and specificity of 5-ALA-FIGR.

Main Results:

  • Mean GTR rate of 75.4% (p<0.001).
  • Mean time to tumor progression (TTP) of 8.1 months (p<0.001).
  • Mean overall survival gain of 6.2 months (p<0.001).
  • High diagnostic accuracy: sensitivity 82.6% (p<0.001), specificity 88.9% (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • 5-ALA-FIGR is a highly sensitive and specific method for GBM resection.
  • 5-ALA-FIGR significantly improves GTR rates in GBM patients.
  • This technique enhances local tumor control, leading to improved TTP.

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