A team of scientists has created a pair of high-tech glasses that help surgeons detect cancer cells while performing surgery.
The glasses were created by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSTL) and the University of Arizona (UA) in Tucson, who were led by Samuel Achilefu, according to Phys.Org.
Finding cancer cells with normal glasses, and even high-powered magnification, is very difficult, CrazyEngineers reported. The new glasses include custom video, a head mounted display and an injection of blue dye that attaches specifically to cancer cells, making them glow. Surgeons who use these glasses will be able to easily tell cancer cells from healthy cells, which will help make sure that all tumors are taken care of. The glasses will help surgeons find and remove tumors as small as 1 mm.
The glasses were used during surgery for the first time on Feb. 10. Achilefu, a professor of radiology and of biomedical engineering at WUSTL, talked about the assistance the technology provides for surgeons, Phys.Org reported.
"This technology has great potential improve patient outcome and enhance decision making for health-care professionals," Achilefu said. "Our goal is to make sure no cancer is left behind."
The blue dye is injected before surgery, according to CrazyEngineers. The fluorescent dye gives a lighter shade of blue in areas with more cancer cells, and a darker shade in areas with less cancer cells. While the dye can't be seen by the human eye with this technology, it can be seen under special lighting. The glasses process the light and enhance contrast so it is easier for surgeons to find cancer cells.
Julie Margenthaler, breast surgeon and WUSTL associate professor of surgery, performed the surgery in February, Phys.Org reported.
"We're in the early stages of this technology, and more development and testing will be done, but we're certainly encouraged by the potential benefits to patients," Margenthaler said. "Imagine what it would mean if these glasses eliminated the need for follow-up surgery and the associated pain, inconvenience and anxiety."
Margenthaler said almost 20-25 percent of breast cancer patients who have lumps removed need a second surgery, Phsy.Org reported. The new glasses can reduce the need for additional surgeries and stress on patients, along with expenses and time.
