High-Tech Glasses Help Detect Cancer Cells
ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – Washington University researchers have created some high-tech glasses that will help surgeons better visualize cancer cells.
The glasses work in combination with a special chemical injected into cancer cells that makes them glow blue when viewed through the eyewear.
Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center breast surgeon Dr. Julie Margenthaler wore the goggles during surgery earlier this week for the first time.
“So we inject the dye, we put the goggles on and it allows us to see that flourescent light which is basically us seeing the cancer cells in the patient,” says Margenthaler.
Seeing exactly where the cancer cells are allows surgeons to better distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells and helps ensure that no stray tumor cells are left behind during surgery.