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Mercy South Adds Fluorescence-Guided Brain Tumor Surgery

January 24, 2025

Mercy South is advancing the cancer care it provides with the addition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guided surgery for the treatment of cancerous brain tumors. This revolutionary technique significantly improves the effectiveness of surgically removing a tumor and enhances patient survival.

Dr. Alex P. Michael, neurosurgeon with Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery – 10012 Kennerly, performed the hospital’s first fluorescence-guided surgery to resect a malignant brain tumor, marking a major milestone in Mercy South’s cancer care program.

Dr. Alex P. Michael, neurosurgeon with Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery - 10012 Kennerly. Dr. Alex P. Michael, neurosurgeon with Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery - 10012 Kennerly.

Malignant gliomas, including glioblastomas, are aggressive brain tumors that present a unique challenge in surgery. These tumors often blend in with normal brain tissue, making it difficult to distinguish them with the naked eye. 5-ALA fluorescence provides a transformative solution by illuminating tumor tissue under a special blue light. Unlike every other visual surgical technique available, 5-ALA accumulates only in tumor cells, creating a vivid contrast that allows for more precise tumor removal while preserving healthy brain tissue.

“Studies show the more of the tumor we can remove, the better the survival rate for glioblastoma patients,” Dr. Michael said. “Using 5-ALA allows me to pinpoint parts of the tumor with a fluorescence glow that reaches beyond the edge of what we can identify with the naked eye. That improved identification means I can perform a more complete resection.”

Brain cancer patients receive 5-ALA orally before surgery. The enhanced precision of brain tumor removal improves the surgical outcome for these patients and reduces the risks associated with incomplete tumor removal.

5-ALA is just the latest technological advance available to the Mercy South community through the hospital and its on-campus Mercy David M. Sindelar Cancer Center.

“This is exciting news for our community and builds trust that they can come to us for comprehensive, high-quality care,” Dr. Michael added. “We’re proud to set new standards in innovation while providing compassionate care that is close to home for those we serve.”

This image, provided by Medexus Pharma and used with permission, shows how 5-ALA fluorescence highlights a cancerous brain tumor. This image, provided by Medexus Pharma and used with permission, shows how 5-ALA fluorescence highlights a cancerous brain tumor.
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