NCRI 2018 | Improving glioma surgery using a real time fluorescence biomarker

Correctly distinguishing gliomas as low or high grade during surgery can improve resection and thus survival, as explained here by Kathreena Kurian, MBBS, MD, FRCPath (Neuro), of the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. The GALA-BIDD study prospectively investigated whether the use of visible fluorescence, through the utilization of 5-ALA, is a good biomarker of high grade disease within a tumour in real time during surgery. We discussed the results of this study, as well as plans for further research, with Dr Kurian at the 2018 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference, held in Glasgow, UK.