Technique to make brain tumours glow being tested in the UK

A team of researchers in the UK are testing a technique to make brain tumours glow to help surgeons to operate.
The patients will be given drug that builds-up fluorescent chemicals and causes it to glow pink. The drug also marks the edges of the tumour more clearly allowing surgeons to remove it in a better way.
The trail will include more than 60 patients with glioblastoma. Removing of a brain tumour has to be precise as "functional tissue" needs to be protected. The GALA-5 trial of the drug 5-amino-levulinic will test the pioneering technique.
Dr Colin Watts, from Cambridge University and lead researcher said, "I strongly feel that our best opportunity to progress further is to emphasise funding of lab-based research and innovative trials, and the GALA-5 trial is a significant step forward in making this a reality."
He also expressed delight to see a partnership between Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and Cancer Research UK. This will allow more trials and clinicians ot be supported, according to him.
The research is funded by Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (SDBTT) and Cancer Research UK. Neil Dickson, founder and chair of trustees of SDBTT said that research in the field receives less funding and is the priority of SDBTT to create a balance in funding.