We know how scary and heartbreaking it can be to learn that someone has a brain tumor. But with the advancements in medicine today, treatments for these conditions, especially surgery, are very successful. So if you or someone you know has to undergo surgery like this, today we will talk about a special medicine that doctors use. This is not a cure, but it is essential to make the surgery more successful.
What exactly is this aminolevulinic acid?
Simply put, this is a special substance that helps the surgeon find cancer cells during surgery. Sometimes, it is very difficult to tell the difference between healthy brain cells and cancer cells with the naked eye. This is where this drug comes to the rescue.
Think of it this way. This drug (brand name ``Gleolan``) is like a special "dye" that sticks only to cancer cells. A few hours before your surgery, the doctor gives you a liquid version of this drug to drink. It is then absorbed into the body and goes into the cancer cells in your brain. Now comes the important part. During the surgery, the surgeon uses a special blue light. When this light hits, only the cancer cells that have been stained with the drug start to glow a bright pink color. Healthy cells remain blue.
Remember, this is not a 'cure' for cancer. It is just a 'guide' to help the surgeon clearly identify the cancer cells and remove them as completely as possible.
This method makes it much easier for the doctor to remove even the smallest part of the cancer without missing anything. This greatly increases the success of the surgery.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Even though this is a medication given in a hospital, for your safety, you should definitely tell your doctor about some information, as this medication may not be suitable for everyone.
- If you have a condition called porphyria: This is a very rare blood disorder. It is important to be aware of this as this medicine may make the condition worse.
- If your skin is overly sensitive: If your skin reacts quickly to sunlight or other light, tell your doctor about it.
- If you have other allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to this medicine, or to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Talk to your doctor about your condition, as the effects of this medicine are not fully known during this time.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: There is little information about whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Therefore, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
How to use this medicine and what to be careful about
This is not a medication that you can take home. It is given to you by a medical team at the hospital or clinic, 2 to 4 hours before surgery. So you don't have to worry about mistaking the dose or missing a dose. The medical team will take care of everything.
If an overdose is suspected, it is treated in the hospital itself, as it occurs under medical supervision. Usually, in such cases, they call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital and seek the necessary advice, or seek specialist assistance at the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
The most important thing: protection from light!
The main side effect after taking this medication is photosensitivity.
Imagine you took this medicine before surgery. After that , for at least 48 hours , your skin will be very sensitive not only to sunlight, but also to bright lights in your home, the light from your TV screen, and the light from your computer monitor.
Therefore, you will be kept in a slightly dark room in the hospital for about two days after the surgery. Even after you go home, it is very important to avoid exposure to strong sunlight and bright lights for at least two days. If you must go outside, you should wear full-coverage clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Use sunscreen. You should completely stop using sunlamps or tanning beds during this time.
Problems and side effects with other medications
This medicine may interact with other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements . The following medications in particular may cause problems.
| Drug category | Examples and other materials |
|---|---|
| Some diuretics | `chlorothiazide`, `hydrochlorothiazide` |
| Some medications for diabetes | `glipizide`, `glyburide` |
| Some anti-infectives | `griseofulvin`, `sulfonamides`, `fluoroquinolones`, `tetracyclines` |
| Phenothiazines | Medicines for mental illnesses such as chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine |
| Other | `phenytoin` (for gonorrhea), `St. John's wort` (an herbal extract), vitamin A, vitamin E |
Side Effects
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor right away.
Take-Home Message
- Aminolevulinic Acid is not a cancer treatment. It is a special "guide" that helps surgeons clearly identify cancer cells during brain surgery.
- This drug causes cancer cells to glow pink under a special light, making it easier to completely remove them.
- It is imperative that you inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and any medical conditions you are taking before surgery.
- After taking this medicine, it is very important to completely protect yourself from bright light (sunlight and indoor light) for at least 48 hours.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, inform your doctor or medical team immediately.
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