TumorGlow tumor detection technology

What is TumorGlow?

During cancer surgery, a surgeon must quickly determine how much of a tumor to remove, which lymph nodes to take out, and if the cancer has spread. These decisions can be difficult because the tumor is not always fully visible to the surgeon. TumorGlow® technology is an innovative technique that helps a surgeon see a tumor more clearly and fully during cancer surgery.

TumorGlow is a special type of imaging technology, also known as intraoperative molecular imaging, that uses an injectable dye that accumulates in cancerous cells. When exposed to near-infrared light during surgery, the dye makes the tumors glow, making it easier for the surgeon to see and remove all the cancer in one surgery. Glowing tumor technology also helps identify cancerous lymph nodes, providing crucial information about the extent of the disease and aiding in the decision-making process for additional treatments such as chemotherapy. It may also help minimize the recurrence of some cancers.

Penn Medicine researchers developed TumorGlow in 2009 and it has since been used for hundreds of patients, revolutionizing the way many cancer surgeries are performed. We’ve continued studying its use in various cancer types, including pancreatic, head and neck, and mediastinal cancers, showing promising results. The Penn Medicine Center for Precision Surgery continually explores new techniques, like TumorGlow, to take advantage of clinically proven research that advances the effectiveness of cancer surgery.

Am I eligible for TumorGlow?

Your eligibility for TumorGlow treatment depends on the type of cancer you have and whether dyes have been approved to treat that cancer with TumorGlow. To date, two dyes have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain cancers. Cytalux (pafolacianine) has been FDA-approved for use in patients with lung and ovarian cancers, and Cerianna (fluoroestradiol F 18) is FDA-approved for use in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. Many studies and clinical trials for Cytalux were conducted at Penn Medicine, giving our patients first access to this innovative approach.

Researchers have launched other TumorGlow studies for various cancer types, including:

Our current clinical trials are limited to patients with brain tumors. We’ll continue to launch new clinical trials for additional cancer types with the goal of reducing the need for additional surgeries by ensuring the complete removal of cancerous tissues while preserving healthy ones.

To determine if you are a qualified candidate, talk to your doctor about our current trials and whether you meet the eligibility criteria to participate.

What to expect during surgery with TumorGlow

If you have surgery with TumorGlow, you’ll receive an injection of a dye before your surgery begins. Your surgeon will determine the optimal time for the dye to be injected before surgery to allow it to gather in the tumor tissue. Depending on the type of dye being used, the dye injection may be given a few days or a few hours before surgery. During surgery, the tumors “light up” under infrared light so they are highly visible. This enables your surgeon to identify and remove cancerous tissues that were previously undetectable or difficult to see.

TumorGlow risks and recovery

TumorGlow technology continues to evolve, so there’s no definitive recovery protocol or list of risks associated with using the dye during surgical procedures. Some patients have experienced side effects, including a rash at the injection site, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, and hypotension. The most common side effect is an allergic reaction to the dye. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’ve had allergic reactions to contrast dyes. Your Penn Medicine care team will monitor you closely throughout treatment and recovery and provide additional support for any side effects you may experience.

Why choose Penn Medicine for TumorGlow?

Penn Medicine is leading the way in developing innovative cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes. The TumorGlow technique, led by Penn Medicine thoracic surgeon Dr. Sunil Singhal, was developed after more than a decade of research. Dr. Singhal sought a more precise method to detect and remove cancerous tissues during surgery to significantly reduce cancer recurrence in patients. He combined the principles of tumor angiogenesis (the process of new blood vessel formation in cancer cells) with intraoperative fluorescence (the use of contrast dyes during surgery) to develop the TumorGlow technique.

Penn Medicine has conducted extensive TumorGlow clinical trials involving more than 1,000 patients, making it the global leader in intraoperative molecular imaging. In addition, our Center for Precision Surgery has surgeons, oncologists, scientists, and specialized nurses who work together to provide patients with the latest cancer surgery techniques, like TumorGlow. This gives you access to the most advanced surgical options supported by clinical data to lower recurrence rates and provide you with the most effective treatment available.

National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

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