The Moncton Hospital. (Image: Tara Clow)
The chief of neurology at the Moncton Hospital has been chosen as the lead trainer in Atlantic Canada for a new imaging agent that will help to remove malignant brain tumours.
Dr. Dhany Charest is one of only five physicians in Canada authorized to provide training in the use of Gleolan.
It is now being used in Horizon operating rooms for procedures involving the removal of rapidly evolving malignant brain tumours.
It is taken orally by the patient prior to the surgery, which causes the tumour to become illuminated under a blue light.
This provides the surgeon with a much clearer view of the tumour.
Dr. Charest says the expanded availability of the product in Canada represents a major step forward, both for the surgeon and the patient.
So far, Dr. Charest has provided training to Horizon neurosurgeons based in Moncton and Saint John. He will also provide guidance and expertise in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. Charest notes that the expanded availability of the product in Canada represents a major step forward, both for the surgeon and the patient.
“With this product, we’re able to be very aggressive yet still retain as much normal brain function as we can,” he said. “The product allows us to better identify the most abnormal part of the tumour, which allows us to be more complete in our resection and have a safer removal – the evidence has shown us that better, more aggressive and safe surgery does improve life expectancy in our patients with malignant tumours.
According to the Brain Tumour Registry of Canada, the incidence of glioblastoma is four per 100,000 people in Canada and about 1,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with glioblastoma every year.
