The observations in this study indicate the usefulness of 5-ALA-induced tumor fluorescence for guiding tumor resection. The completeness of resection, as determined intraoperatively from residual tissue fluorescence, was related to postoperative MR imaging findings and to survival in patients suffering from GBM.

Extended resections performed using a tool such as 5-ALA-derived tumor fluorescence, carries the risk of temporary impairment of neurological function. However, risks are higher in patients with deficits unresponsive to steroids.

No abstract

For patients with gliomas undergoing multimodal treatment or various forms of irradiation, conventional follow-up with MRI is insufficient to distinguish between benign side effects of therapy and tumor recurrence. FET-PET is a powerful tool to improve the differential diagnosis in these patients.

Our observations suggest that 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced porphyrin fluorescence may label malignant gliomas safely and accurately enough to enhance the completeness of tumor removal.