Use of 5-aminolevulinic acid for the confirmation of deep-seated brain tumors during stereotactic biopsy Report of 2 cases

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has been successfully used to confirm the target tumor tissues obtained during stereotactic biopsy. The authors report their experience with 2 patients who underwent stereotactic biopsies of thalamic malignant lymphoma and pontine glioma utilizing 5-ALA. Intraoperatively, the tumor specimens fluoresced, allowing for confirmation that the obtained target specimen contained tumor tissues. No serious side effects or complications occurred. (DOI: 10.3171/2011.4.JNS102137)