The use of fluorescent dyes and probes in surgical oncology.
OBJECTIVE
Improved visualization of surgical targets inside of the patient helps to improve radical resection of the tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. In order to achieve an image, optical contrast must be generated by properties intrinsic to the tissue, or require the attachment of special visualization labels to the tumor. In this overview the current status of the clinical use of fluorescent dyes and probes are reviewed.


METHODS
In this review, all experimental and clinical studies concerning fluorescent imaging were included. In addition, in the search for the optimal fluorescent imaging modality, all characteristics of a fluorescent dye were described.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the technique of imaging through fluorescence sounds promising and several animal models show efficacy, official approval of these agents for further clinical evaluation, is eagerly awaited.
Te Velde
E A
EA
Department of Surgical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Veerman
Th
T
Subramaniam
V
V
Ruers
Th
T
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
D015415:Biomarkers; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007208:Indocyanine Green