Optical image-guided cancer surgery is a promising technique to adequately determine tumor margins by tumor-specific targeting, potentially resulting in complete resection of tumor tissue with improved survival. However, identification of the photons coming from the fluorescent contrast agent is complicated by autofluorescence, optical tissue properties, and accurate fluorescent targeting agents and imaging systems. All these factors have an important influence on the image that is presented to the surgeon. Considering the clinical consequences at stake, it is a prerequisite to answer the questions that are essential for the surgeon. What is optical image-guided surgery and how can it improve patient care? What should the oncologic surgeon know about the fundamental principles of optical imaging to understand which conclusions can be drawn from the images? And how do the limitations influence clinical decision making? This article discusses these questions and provides a clear overview of the basic principles and practical applications. Although there are limitations to the intrinsic capacity of the technique, when practical and technical surgical possibilities are considered, optical imaging can be a very powerful intraoperative tool in guiding the future oncologic surgeon toward radical resection and optimal clinical results.

In cancer surgery, intra-operative assessment of the tumor-free margin, which is critical for the prognosis of the patient, relies on the visual appearance and palpation of the tumor. Optical imaging techniques provide real-time visualization of the tumor, warranting intra-operative image-guided surgery. Within this field, imaging in the near-infrared light spectrum offers two essential advantages: increased tissue penetration of light and an increased signal-to-background-ratio of contrast agents. In this article, we review the various techniques, contrast agents, and camera systems that are currently used for image-guided surgery. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the wide range of molecular contrast agents targeting specific hallmarks of cancer and we describe perspectives on its future use in cancer surgery.

Navigation with fluorescence guidance is emerging as a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of oncologic surgery in the last decade. The onus is on the surgical community to objectively assess the added value of this technique for routine use daily clinical practice, which will directly impact both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process and insurance reimbursement. In addition, it is critical to characterize the potential benefits over existing practices and to elucidate both the costs and safety risks. This report is the result a consensus meeting of the American Society of Image Guided Surgery (ASIGS) on February 6th, 2015 at Miami, Florida and reflects a consensus of the participant’s opinions. Our objective is to critically evaluate the platform technology and its optical imaging agents and make recommendations for successful clinical trial development for clinical implementation of this highly promising approach in oncologic surgery.

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