Multi-modality imaging assisted fluorescence-guided resection of glioblastoma: Case report

Introduction: Glioblastoma is a highly malignant and infiltrative brain tumor, with a median overall survival of about 15 months. Gross-total resection using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) assisted fluorescence-guided tumor resection has been shown to prolong progression free survival. Here, we report the utility of multi-modality imaging in conjunction with the 5-ALA fluorescence in resection of an IDH (R132H) wildtype malignant astrocytoma. Case background: A 58-year old male, presented with a generalized seizure and was found to have a right-anterior temporal lobe lesion, measuring 7.42 cm3 in volume. Given the patient's left-hand dominance, functional-MRI and white-matter tractography using diffuse tensor imaging was performed. These image series, along with T1-weighted contrast enhanced MRI and CT scans were inter-registered and fused to create a multi-modality image dataset. This fused dataset was used in preoperative planning and intraoperatively for stereotactic surgical navigation. Discussion: A gross-total resection of the tumor was achieved for this case. Three other glioblastoma cases were performed at this site using the same technique described. The average extent of resection achieved was 96 ± 4%, with no post-operative neurological complications. While it is not clear that 5-ALA fluorescence guided resection alone improves the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma, this intra-operative adjunct certainly enables complete resections of contrast-enhancing tumors, leading to improved progression-free survival. Conclusion: This case study shows a single-institution experience with multi-modality fluoresce-guided tumor resection – providing the surgeon with the safest avenue to aggressively excise tumor with a goal to achieve maximal resection with greater efficacy and safety.