For many patients with lung cancer, surgery is part of their treatment plan. During surgery, surgeons may struggle to identify and remove all of the cancer due to a lack of visibility. This has now changed with the introduction of a new injectable dye that lights up the cancer during surgery.
With this new imaging technology, UPMC visitors like Nancy Barton have a second chance at life.
When Nancy learned she had lung cancer, she sought care at UPMC.
“When I met Dr. Levy, he talked to me and told me everything he was going to do,” says Nancy. “It was comforting to know the whole plan.”
Dr. Ryan Levy, chief of Thoracic Surgery at UPMC, collaborated with his team to create a personal care plan for Nancy. This included the use of injectable dye to highlight the cancer in her lungs.
Innovative Injectable Dye to Identify Cancer
This injectable dye is an imaging technology with the goal of better detecting cancerous lesions in the lungs. Even with the care of a skilled surgeon, the human eye can struggle to visualize cancer cells. The injectable dye highlights lung cancer during surgery.
The dye is injected into the patient’s veins using an IV one to 24 hours before surgery. After it enters the body, the dye spreads and binds to the cancer cells, causing them to glow.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses a special camera to illuminate the dye. This can reveal cancer that is otherwise difficult to see.
“Early detection has always been critical in the treatment of lung cancer. The next step is identifying smaller and smaller cancer lesions. This technology makes this possible,” says Dr. Levy.
With the help of the injectable dye, the surgeon could identify and remove small lung cancer lesions without having to remove a larger portion of Nancy’s lung.
Now, three months after her surgery, Nancy has returned to enjoying her life.
“I’m happy to be back to just living my life. I don’t have to think about the cancer anymore, it’s gone. I’m looking forward to camping and fishing and spending holidays with my grandkids and family,” says Nancy.
Nancy is incredibly grateful for the care she received at UPMC and hopes people know they have different treatment options after a lung cancer diagnosis.
Lifesaving Thoracic Surgery at UPMC
UPMC is a nationally recognized leader in treating lung diseases. To learn more about lung surgery at UPMC or to make an appointment, visit our website or call 412-647-5864.