New Research Method to Identify Brain Tumors Could Enhance Neurosurgery

The use of a new brain tumor-targeting contrast agent that differentiates between normal and cancer cells in conjunction with a high-powered microscopy system could potentially lead to a method of more precise neurosurgery for brain tumors, according to research paper published as a cover story in the December issue of Translational Oncology. Developed by researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Stony Brook University, the contrast agent adheres to a molecular marker of a form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma and can be seen by the optical microscope system, which the research team also developed. For more information, click here to read the full release.