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Many brain cancer patients turn to Moffitt Cancer Center to benefit from the expertise of our multispecialty team, our individualized approach to cancer treatment and our leading-edge surgical techniques, including 5-ALA guided tumor resection. By causing cancerous cells to fluoresce, 5-ALA helps our surgeons better visualize the boundaries of invasive brain tumors when surgically removing them.

The 5-ALA advantage

The goal of brain cancer resection is the maximum safe extraction of the solid portion of the tumor. Because gliomas tend to be highly diffuse and infiltrative, it can be challenging for a surgeon to remove every cancerous cell. However, studies suggest that in most cases approximately 99% of the glioma is contained within the solid mass. Therefore, by enhancing the surgeon’s ability to clearly visualize the boundaries of the tumor, 5-ALA guided tumor resection can provide a tremendous advantage. The result is a more precise and complete removal, and ultimately, a better outcome and quality of life for the patient.

Video: Orbeye 3-D Visualization Technology

Place your patient’s care in the most capable hands

When you refer your patient to Moffitt, you will be entrusting his or her care to a diverse team of specialists who will collaboratively design an individualized treatment plan to meet his or her unique needs. Because we perform a high volume of surgeries, our neurosurgeons have acquired extensive skills and experience in utilizing 5-ALA guided tumor resection and other complex techniques. In addition to the very latest therapies, we also offer our patients a full range of compassionate supportive care services to help them navigate their cancer journey more comfortably and effectively.

At Moffitt, we consider it a great privilege to partner with referring physicians. We will maintain detailed records to keep you updated on your patient’s progress throughout the time he or she is under our care. To facilitate seamless communication, we’ve also established a 24/7 hotline for questions and record requests.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Vogelbaum, Program Leader, Department of Neuro-Oncology.

If you’d like to refer a patient to Moffitt’s Neuro-Oncology Program, contact a physician liaison or complete our online form. We prioritize timely service and respond to most referral requests in less than 48 hours.