Lighting Up Tumors

August 20, 2008 | Source: Technology Review

A new imaging system that highlights cancerous tissue in lurid colors should help surgeons remove every last trace of cancer without harming the surrounding tissue.

A real-time surgical imaging system (top) displays live video of a surgical area overlaid with images of hidden features such as cancer cells, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

A real-time surgical imaging system (top) displays live video of a surgical area overlaid with images of hidden features such as cancer cells, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

The system, developed by a Harvard Medical School professor, is currently in early clinical trials, using a new class of contrast agents that emit near-infrared light and can attach to virtually any kind of tissue, cancerous or a healthy–showing surgeons just where to cut.