Fluorescence-guided surgery with aminolevulinic acid for low-grade gliomas

Introduction Fluorescence guided surgery has developed over the last 2 decades as a formidable augmentation strategy to promote maximal safe resection and diagnostic accuracy within gliomas. The majority of the literature evidence supporting this modality utilizes 5-aminolevulinic acid in the setting of high-grade gliomas. The role for fluorescence guided surgery in low-grade gliomas is less well defined. Results This review describes the existing literature discussing the utilization of 5-aminolevulinic acid for fluorescence guided surgery in low-grade gliomas, including its pertinence in identification of anaplastic foci and potential role in guiding resection following combination with augmentation strategies for detection. Conclusion The advance in operative technology and growth of research analyzing 5-aminolevulinic acid will continue to enhance the role of fluorescence guided surgery within the standard of surgical management for low-grade gliomas.