Protoporphyrin Imaging in Multispectral Evaluation of Resections
This study is investigating a new way to see brain tumours (gliomas) more clearly during surgery. Surgeons already use a special dye (called 5-ALA) that makes tumour cells glow. This study uses a new camera system, called KINEVO 900 S with BLUE 400 and an added part called CALLAO, which can take very detailed, multi-coloured pictures of the glowing tumour site. This new camera attaches to the usual surgical microscope and doesn't change how the surgery is performed. The main goal is to see if these super-detailed images can help surgeons identify tumour tissue more precisely, which could lead to better outcomes for patients. It’s an observational study, meaning researchers are just watching and recording, not interfering with your treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine surgeons trying to remove a brain tumour, but sometimes it can be hard to tell exactly where the tumour ends and healthy brain tissue begins. To help with this, doctors sometimes give patients a special drink called 5-ALA before surgery. This liquid makes the tumour cells glow pink under a specific light, making them easier to spot.
This study is looking at a new camera that works with the existing surgical microscope used during operations. This camera, called KINEVO 900 S with BLUE 400, has an extra part called CALLAO that can take super-detailed pictures of the glowing tumour at different colours. The idea is that these multi-coloured images might help surgeons see the tumour even more clearly than before. This could mean they can remove more of the tumour while leaving healthy brain tissue untouched, potentially leading to better results for patients.
It’s important to understand that this study doesn’t change your surgery itself. The new camera is just an add-on to the microscope your surgeon already uses. It takes a few extra pictures during the operation, but this only adds a tiny bit of time to the surgery, less than a minute per picture. This is an "observational" study, which means the doctors are simply observing and taking pictures without changing your treatment plan.
Key takeaways
- Study looks at a new camera to improve how brain tumours are seen during surgery.
- It uses a special dye (5-ALA) that makes tumour cells glow.
- Your surgery remains the same; the camera is just an extra tool for observation.
- Participation adds very little extra time to your surgery, less than a minute per picture.
- Data collected could help future patients with brain tumours.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with a suspected high-grade brain tumour, called a glioma, based on their MRI scans. You need to be planning to have surgery to remove this tumour and also be scheduled to receive the special 5-ALA liquid that makes the tumour glow. It's important that you haven't had any previous treatments for this particular brain tumour, like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. You also need to be well enough to look after yourself, at least to some extent.
You wouldn't be able to join the study if you're allergic to the 5-ALA liquid or have certain rare conditions that affect how your body handles it. If you've had previous treatment for this brain tumour, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable for you. Also, if your doctor believes that taking part would be too risky for you due to other serious health problems, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a suspected high-grade brain tumour (glioma) and are you scheduled for surgery?
- Will you be receiving the 5-ALA liquid before your surgery?
- Have you NOT had previous treatment (like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy) for this current brain tumour?
- Are you able to look after yourself, at least partially, and undergo MRI scans?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, your surgery will proceed as planned, with no changes to the surgical procedure itself. During your operation, the surgical team will use a special camera attached to their microscope to take extra, detailed pictures of the tumour site. This process is very quick, adding less than a minute of extra time for each picture. You will have pre- and post-operative MRI scans as part of your standard care, and these will also be used in the study. There are no extra visits, medications, or follow-up appointments beyond what is already part of your normal treatment plan. The total duration of your participation in the study is covered by the time of your surgery and subsequent standard medical follow-ups.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (10)
- Universitätsklinik für Neurochirurgie der Medizinischen Universität InnsbruckVerified postcodeInnsbruck, Austria
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin BerlinVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Freiburg - Klinik für Neurochirurgie im NeurozentrumVerified postcodeFreiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Göttingen - Neurochirurgische KlinikVerified postcodeGöttingen, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurochirurgie, LMU Klinikum MünchenVerified postcodeMünchen, Germany
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität MünchenVerified postcodeMünchen, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Münster - Klinik für NeurochirurgieVerified postcodeMünster, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universitätsklinik für NeurochirurgieVerified postcodeTübingen, Germany
- Inselspital Bern, Universitätsklinik für NeurochirurgieVerified postcodeBern, Switzerland
- Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève - NeuroCentreVerified postcodeGeneva, Switzerland
Common questions
What is a glioma?
A glioma is a type of brain tumour that starts in the brain or spinal cord. They can be high-grade, meaning they tend to grow faster.
What is 5-ALA?
5-ALA is a special liquid you might drink before surgery. It makes the tumour cells glow pink under a particular light, helping surgeons see them better during the operation.
Will taking part change my actual surgery?
No, the surgery itself will be exactly the same. The study just involves using an extra camera on the microscope to take more pictures during your operation.
How long will my surgery be extended if I join?
The camera takes pictures very quickly, typically adding less than a minute of extra time for each picture taken during your surgery.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any point, and it will not affect the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Christian Freyschlag, Prof. Dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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