Early Experience with Gliolan in Brain Tumor Resections

Aim: We examine the first 38 cases of Gliolan-assisted surgery in the Brain Tumour Unit at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Methods: Data were collected from pharmacy records. The demographics, histopathology, and extent of resection were examined for each patient.

Results: Over a 10-month period, 38 Gliolan-assisted cases were performed. Mean age at surgery was 54 years (range 16 to 77 years). The study group consisted of 28 males and 10 females. There were 33 patients who had high grade glial tumors. At the time of data collection, 28 patients had postoperative imaging. Within the study group 12 patients died. Of this subgroup, mean survival following surgery was 102 days. One patient experienced mild sunburn on his face, and nausea was commonly experienced.

Conclusion: Gliolan (5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) has been shown to improve extent of resection in high grade glioma surgery.¹ In June 2010, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence stated no objection to the use of Gliolan in brain tumor surgery.² This study shows that Gliolan-assisted surgery is effective and safe. It assists in guiding the resection of high grade glial tumors. Of the 38, 5 patients who were given Gliolan did not have pathology suitable for the fluorescing effect of Gliolan; however, they suffered no adverse outcome. Further long-term studies are required to determine whether this technique will improve the outcome of patients with high grade glioma.