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Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Fluorescence Molecular Tomography for In Vivo Imaging of Glioblastoma Xenografts
Published on: April 26, 2018
Evaluation of a fluorescence endoscope in murine in-vivo auto-fluorescence glioma models
Sebastian Senger1, Stefan Linsler1, Christoph Sippl1
1Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Straße 1, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
Introduction:
The value of extended and radical resection of high grade gliomas remains controversial, but the neurosurgical procedure is still vital for effective cancer treatment. Fluorescence guided surgery provides aggressive resection within the tumor margins even on microscopic levels. Aim of this study was to evaluate if a new developed fluorescence endoscope can improve intraoperative vision and tumor delineation.
Methods:
An autofluoresence C6 glioma cell line was established via GFP-transfection. These GFP-C6 glioma cells were transplanted both in a dorsal skinfold chamber of the mouse and orthotopically in a cranial window chamber of the mouse. After five days, tumors were examinated by intravital fluorescence microscopy, a standard fluorescence operation microscope and a fluorescence endoscope. Images were compared in terms of visualization, magnification and delineation of tumor cells from host tissue.
Results:
The fluorescence endoscope showed improved image quality and higher magnifications compared to the operation microscope. Even smallest tumor extensions were visualized by the fluorescence endoscope nearly reaching the quality of an intravital fluorescence microscope.
Conclusions:
In summary better visualization can improve the intraoperative decision making of the surgeons. So endoscopic assistance can be seen as a promising tool for the fluorescence guided resection of high grade gliomas in the next years.
Insights
A novel fluorescence endoscope significantly enhances visualization during high-grade glioma surgery, improving tumor delineation and aiding surgeons in making critical intraoperative decisions for better resection outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The extent of surgical resection for high-grade gliomas is debated, yet crucial for treatment.
- Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) enables more aggressive tumor removal, even at microscopic levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if a newly developed fluorescence endoscope improves intraoperative visualization and tumor delineation during glioma resection.
Main Methods:
- An enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transfected C6 glioma cell line was utilized.
- Tumors were implanted in mouse dorsal skinfold and cranial window chambers.
- Intravital fluorescence microscopy, a standard operating microscope, and the fluorescence endoscope were compared for image quality, magnification, and tumor delineation.
Main Results:
- The fluorescence endoscope provided superior image quality and magnification compared to the standard operating microscope.
- It visualized small tumor extensions effectively, approaching the resolution of intravital fluorescence microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced intraoperative visualization through endoscopic assistance can improve surgical decision-making.
- Endoscopic tools show promise for advancing fluorescence-guided resection of high-grade gliomas.
