Abstract
Fluorescence-guided surgery is an intraoperative optical imaging method that provides surgeons with real-time guidance for the delineation of tumours. Currently, in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, evaluation of fluorescence-guided surgery is primarily focused on its diagnostic performance, although the corresponding outcome variables do not inform about the added clinical benefit of fluorescence-guided surgery and are challenging to assess objectively. Nonetheless, the effect of fluorescence-guided surgery on intraoperative decision making is the most objective outcome measurement to assess the clinical value of this imaging method. In this Review, we explore the study designs of existing trials of fluorescence-guided surgery that allow us to extract information on potential changes in intraoperative decision making, such as additional or more conservative resections. On the basis of this analysis, we offer recommendations on how to report changes in intraoperative decision making that result from fluorescence imaging, which is of utmost importance for the widespread clinical implementation of fluorescence-guided surgery.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e186-e195 |
Journal | The Lancet Oncology |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 28 Apr 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:SKe is supported by the Bas Mulder Award from the Dutch Cancer Society (grant number 12175) and by the Daniel den Hoed Award from the Erasmus University Medical Center Foundation. This manuscript was edited for English language by Springer Nature Author Services, with funding from the European Commission under the H2020-MSCA-RISE Award (grant 872860).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd