16 May 2019 The intraoperative fluorescence technique uses a marker compound that helps identify cancer cell niches by making them fluoresce. The marker used is 5-aminolevulinic acid . It is: Administered a few hours before surgery Taken up by cancer cells because they are more metabolically active than normal cells. The uptake of 5-aminolevulinic acid makes tumour cells fluorescent and easily identifiable by a surgical microscope with a fluorescence detection module. Clinical studies have shown that in patients treated with this technique: Broader surgical removal was possible. Additional treatments with radiotherapy and chemotherapy were more effective. It achieves a significantly more favourable overall therapeutic result. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
