November 2009

Use of 5-aminolevulinic acid for visualization and resection of a benign pediatric brain tumor
Ruge JR, Liu J.

5-Aminolevulinic acid is a dye used during surgery to help facilitate the removal of a brain tumor. The dye helps the surgeon visualize the tumor more easily. The dye has been used successfully to facilitate removal of adult malignant gliomas. The authors report their experience in the treatment of a 9-year-old girl who underwent surgery using the dye to remove a right temporal lobe pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma tumor. During surgery, the tumor fluoresced with the dye, which allowed for better visualization. No serious side effects or complications occurred.  This is the first report of the use of this tumor dye in a child and the first report of its use in a benign tumor.

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