ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)– A new device in the fight against cancer was used for the first time during surgery at the Siteman Cancer Center Monday.
The technology created by doctors at Washington University and the Siteman Cancer Center is receiving high praise in the medical community.
Dr. Julie Margenthaler wore fluorescent goggles to help her find malignant tumors in a 67-year-old breast cancer patient.
The patient was injected with a bio-luminescent marker that attaches to cancer cells making them glow when viewed with the ground breaking device.
The goggles allow Dr. Margenthaler to see tumor cell boundaries and tentacles that might impact healthy tissue so that she can remove the cancerous cells during the procedure.
Dr. Samuel Achilefu designed the technology touted as remarkable.
Right now, the device is being tested on breast and skin cancer patients.
After the hour long procedure, Dr. Margenthaler removed her mask and goggles and declared.
The patient is doing fine and is expected to be released from the hospital Monday.
By all accounts the device appears to be successful.
However it still has to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
