Brain tumor visualization drug approved in Australia

11 November 2013

A novel drug which assists neurosurgeons to better visualize and remove malignant brain tumors has been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Until now Gliolan (aminolevulinic acid HCl) has only been available via the federal government’s Special Access Scheme (SAS). It will now be made widely available for use by neurosurgeons to treat patients with high grade glioma, specifically glioblastomamultiforme (GBM), which are tumors that typically have a very poor prognosis.

Gliolan is indicated in adult patients for visualization of malignant tissue during surgery for malignant gliomas that are glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) on preoperative imaging, and who are intended for resection of the tumor. Gliolan causes brain tumors (gliomas) to become fluorescent and glow during surgery. This enables neurosurgeons to better visualize these tumors and more completely remove them.

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