Next-generation agents for fluorescence-guided glioblastoma surgery

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with poor prognosis and high recurrence rates.
• Complete surgical resection is challenging due to GBM's infiltrative nature, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
• Current intraoperative adjuncts, like fluorescent agents, have limitations including poor selectivity and high costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential of developing advanced fluorescent tools for improved glioblastoma resection.
• To address the limitations of existing intraoperative fluorescent agents.
• To enhance the selective labeling of cancer cells during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of current limitations of fluorescent agents in glioblastoma surgery.
• Perspective on the development of next-generation fluorescent tools.
• Focus on improving selectivity and efficacy for intraoperative cancer cell identification.

Main Results:

• Existing fluorescent agents exhibit limitations in selectivity, photostability, and photosensitization.
• These limitations hinder their effectiveness in improving glioblastoma resection rates.
• The need for improved intraoperative tools is evident.

Conclusions:

• Next-generation fluorescent tools offer a promising avenue for enhancing glioblastoma surgical precision.
• Development of selective cancer cell labeling agents is crucial for improving resection completeness.
• Advanced fluorescent agents could significantly improve patient survival and reduce recurrence in glioblastoma.