"Cytalux-administered via IV up to nine hours before surgery for ovarian cancer and up to 24 hours before surgery for lung cancer-works by attaching molecules of highly fluorescent, but harmless, dye to receptors that bring folate into cells. Because folate, a nutrient found in leafy greens and citrus fruits, supports cell growth and division-and cancer cells are always growing and dividing-folate receptors are often over-expressed in tumors."
"The result is that cancer cells shine brightly under infrared light, while other cells stay dim, helping surgeons remove cancerous masses while sparing healthy tissue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved the medication in 2021 for use in ovarian cancer surgeries, following a successful clinical trial that saw Cytalux identify known cancerous lesions and, in over 30% of patients, additional lesions that hadn't previously been detected. In 2022, it was also approved for lung cancer surgeries."
Cytalux is an intravenous fluorescent agent used during minimally invasive surgery to highlight folate-receptor–expressing cancer cells. It is given up to nine hours before ovarian cancer surgery and up to 24 hours before lung cancer surgery. The agent binds to folate receptors on rapidly dividing tumor cells, causing those cells to glow under infrared light while surrounding healthy tissue remains dim. Surgeons use infrared-capable laparoscopes to visualize and remove glowing lesions more precisely. Clinical trials showed Cytalux identified known lesions and found additional lesions in over 30% of patients. The FDA approved Cytalux for ovarian surgery in 2021 and for lung surgery in 2022.
Read at Fast Company
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