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Posted: 17th February 2014

Glasses help surgeons to see cancer cells
Hospital patient
The new high-tech glasses have been used during surgery for the first time.
New technology could eliminate the need for follow-up surgery

Surgeons may be able to visualise cancer cells more easily during surgery, thanks to high-tech glasses developed by Washington University scientists.

The wearable glasses were used during surgery for the first time on February 10 at the Alvin J Siteman Cancer Centre at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

When viewed through the glasses, cancer cells glow bright blue. The aim is to make it easier for surgeons to distinguish between cancer cells and healthy cells, ensuring no tumour cells are left behind.

The technology was developed by a research team lead by Dr Samuel Achilefu, professor of radiology and biomedical engineering at the university.

During pilot studies on mice, a contrast agent called indocyanine green was injected into the tumours, causing the cancerous cells to glow when viewed in a special light with the glasses.

Breast surgeon Julie Margenthaler, who performed the first operation using the glasses, said: "We’re in the early stages of this technology, and more development and testing will be done, but we’re certainly encouraged by the potential benefits to patients."

According to the university's School of Medicine, surgeons are currently required to remove the tumour and neighbouring tissue that may or may not include cancer cells. Additional surgical procedures are often recommended if cancer cells are found in the neighbouring tissue.

Dr Margenthaler said between 20 and 25 per cent of breast cancer patients who have lumps removed require a second operation as current technology does not adequately show the extent of the disease during the first surgery.

She added: "Imagine what it would mean if these glasses eliminated the need for follow-up surgery and the associated pain, inconvenience and anxiety."

According to a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics, tumours as small as 1mm in diameter could be detected using the glasses.

Ryan Fields, a surgeon at the Siteman centre, plans to use the glasses during surgery later this month.

He said: "A limitation of surgery is that it’s not always clear to the naked eye the distinction between normal tissue and cancerous tissue. With the glasses developed by Dr Achilefu, we can better identify the tissue that must be removed."

Dr Achilefu is helping to develop a new molecular agent to use with the glasses. This agent specifically targets the cancer cells and remains within them for longer. Approval for the agent is being sought from the Food and Drug Administration.



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