New tool to treat brain tumors used by Ocala Hospital and West Marion Hospital

Neurosurgeons at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are deploying a new weapon in the fight against deadly brain tumors — one that will give patients a significantly better opportunity for long-term survival.

Gleolan™ is a liquid medication that a patient takes about three hours before surgery. The dye casts a pink fluorescent glow around the patient’s brain tumor, sharply contrasting it from adjacent healthy brain cells. Surgeons then use a special fluorescent light to more readily identify the contours of malignant growth, allowing it to be removed more completely and with greater accuracy and safety.

“This new imaging dye increases our ability to remove as much of the tumor as possible because it shows cells that are hypercellular, which suggest tumor, that do not even light up on an MRI with contrast before surgery,” said Dr. Shawn Rai, a neurosurgeon with HCA Florida Ocala Neurosurgical Specialists. “The increased ability to remove more of the tumor for glioblastoma patients significantly increases life expectancy and overall survival in these patients with this aggressive brain cancer.”

The imaging dye is intended for patients afflicted by malignant gliomas, an aggressive form of cancer that takes root in the glial cells in the brain. According to the National Institutes of Health, 85,000 Americans are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor every year, and 29% of those cases are malignant. Gliomas are responsible for up to 85% of those malignant brain tumors diagnosed in adults.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to use this innovative new medication to help our patients diagnosed with malignant brain tumors,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “We have fantastic surgeons, and this tool will only amplify their skills, providing our patients increased comfort during an uncertain time and confidence in their long-term health.”

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital offer a comprehensive cancer care program for patients in Ocala and the surrounding area. Our services are recognized by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer as a comprehensive community cancer program, to include prevention, screening, education, treatment and recovery therapies. For more information, please visit our oncology page.