Skip to content

Revolutionary Cancer Surgery Method Wins Helmholtz Award

This new imaging method could transform cancer surgery. It's already won a prestigious award and is being fast-tracked for clinical use.

This is a macro photography of orange color flowers.
This is a macro photography of orange color flowers.

Revolutionary Cancer Surgery Method Wins Helmholtz Award

A groundbreaking new imaging method, developed by Oliver Bruns and Ellen Sletten, is set to revolutionise cancer surgery. The technique, which combines short-wave infrared light with fluorescent dyes, has already won the prestigious Helmholtz High Impact Award 2024. The National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) is working swiftly to bring this technology into clinical use.

The innovative procedure allows for clearer differentiation of tissue types based on water content. This is achieved by using special fluorescent dyes that make structures like tumors or blood vessels more visible. The advanced camera technology then captures these details, enabling surgeons to more accurately identify cancer edges during surgery. This precision could significantly improve the preservation of healthy tissue during cancer removal.

The development of this imaging system is part of wider projects like THUNDER and CAR FACTORY, which aim to integrate clinical expertise and cutting-edge research to develop new cancer therapies and diagnostics. The NCT/UCC is collaborating closely with Stanford University and a nationwide network of research centers from Germany, including institutions in Hamburg, Bonn, Würzburg, and Frankfurt, to document the benefits of this imaging system in clinical studies.

Oliver Bruns and Ellen Sletten's innovative imaging method has the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of cancer surgery. With the support of the Helmholtz Association, the German Scholarship Foundation, and a wide network of research institutions, the technology is being fast-tracked for clinical application. The future of cancer treatment looks brighter with such promising advancements.

Read also:

Latest