Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Feb 2019
Use of optical fluorescence agents during surgery for pituitary adenomas: current state of the field.
Differentiation of normal pituitary from abnormal tumor tissue remains a surgical challenge despite improvements in optical visualization technology for pituitary adenoma (PA) surgery. During neurosurgical procedures for other tumor types, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has become a focus of investigation based on its high specificity in differentiating tumor tissue. However, the role of 5-ALA and other optical fluorescent agents in PA surgery remains less clear. ⋯ We conclude that selected optical fluorescent agents, including ICG and folate receptors, are most likely to hold promise for clinical use in differentiating PA from normal tissue.