5-ALA fluorescence
Pronunciation: five-ay-el-ay
A surgical technique using 5-aminolevulinic acid to induce tumor tissue fluorescence, enhancing visualization during glioma resection.
Full Definition
5-ALA fluorescence refers to the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a photodynamic diagnostic agent during brain tumor surgery to enhance tumor visualization and improve extent of resection. When administered preoperatively, 5-ALA is preferentially taken up by malignant glioma cells and metabolized to protoporphyrin IX, which fluoresces pink-red under blue light illumination. This technique allows surgeons to better distinguish tumor tissue from normal brain, potentially increasing the extent of resection while preserving neurological function. 5-ALA fluorescence is particularly valuable for high-grade gliomas but has limited utility in low-grade lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Specify timing of 5-ALA administration (typically 3-5 hours preoperatively) when relevant.
In Context
- "5-ALA fluorescence guidance enabled more complete resection of the enhancing tumor components." — intraoperative findings
- "The patient received 5-ALA three hours before surgery to optimize fluorescence visualization." — preoperative protocol