Lighting the way for brain cancer surgery

lighting the way

for brain cancer surgery

lighting the way for brain cancer surgery

Stand Up to Cancer Scientist Professor Colin Watts has found a way to expose brain tumours by making them glow bright pink under UV light.

Brain tumours can be very difficult to treat and one of the best ways is through surgery. But tumour cells can be very hard to spot amongst the healthy cells. Surgeons need to be extra careful to remove as much tumour as possible, without damaging healthy tissue.

Funded by Stand Up to Cancer, Professor Watts and his team showed that a substance called 5-ALA can be taken by brain cancer patients before surgery to make their tumour cells glow fluorescent pink under UV light. Now called ‘The Pink Drink’, the substance is used all over the UK to help surgeons remove brain tumours and save lives.

100% OF THE MONEY YOU RAISE HELPS FUND LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH

LEARN MORE