Innovative product lighting the way for Horizon neurosurgeons, brain tumour patients

(HORIZON) – Horizon neurosurgeons are reporting significant positive results using a new, cutting-edge imaging agent to shed clearer light on malignant brain tumors – and the medical community is paying attention.

Since 2020, Horizon neurosurgeons used an innovative diagnostic imaging liquid containing 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), Gleolan, in over 200 procedures at The Moncton Hospital (TMH) and the Saint John Regnal Hospital (SJRH).

Patients with rapidly evolving malignant brain tumours called gliomas drink the 5-ALA liquid prior to resection surgery, causing cancerous cells to glow pink under a blue light.

“With this product, we’re able to be very aggressive yet still retain as much normal brain function as we can,” Dr. Dhany Charest, Chief of Neurosurgery at The Moncton Hospital said. “The product allows us to better identify the most abnormal part of the tumour, which allows us to be more complete in our resection and have a safer removal – the evidence has shown us that better, more aggressive and safe surgery does improve life expectancy in our patients with malignant tumours.”

To learn more about Gleolan and the technology behind it, watch our video featuring Dr. Charest.

No other substance of its kind is approved for this type of use in Canada, and Dr. Charest is one of only three physicians in Canada authorized to provide training in its use. Students at TMH and SJRH have the unique opportunity to learn and train with Gleolan, preparing them to be on the forefront of neurosurgical advancements.

This exposure ensures that future generations of Canadian neurosurgeons are well-versed in the latest technologies, enhancing their capabilities, and improving surgical outcomes for patients.

Horizon’s pioneering work with the product has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations, highlighting its profound impact on patient care. High Grade Glioma Surgery, Using 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Its Effect on Extent of Resection: Early Data from a Single Canadian Center Experience was published in Neurosurgery Cases and Reviews in June 2024 and supported previous evidence that Gleolan resulted in the removal of more cancerous cells for patients with high-grade gliomas.

Horizon continues to monitor the outcomes of this initiative, which will help guide the potential expansion of the use of the 5-ALA product to other sites, and we’re dedicated to help make it a standard in neurosurgical procedures across Canada. With ongoing support and expansion efforts, the organization is committed to helping extend the use of this ground-breaking technology to health centres nationwide and setting a new standard of care for glioma surgeries, benefiting patients across the country.

Looking ahead, Horizon is committed to further refining 5-ALA’s applications and expanding its use within our facilities. By collaborating with other centres and advocating for widespread adoption, we aim to make it an indispensable part of neurosurgical practices nationwide.

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