Pegulicianine Acetate

Intraoperative fluorescence guidance is the purpose of pegulicianine acetate, an imaging agent that renders cancer tissue visible to the surgeon in real time. Activation by a dedicated light source during the operation produces a signal from residual tumour, allowing the surgical cavity to be inspected before closure. In breast cancer surgery the aim is to improve the likelihood of clear margins at the first operation, since residual disease at the margin is the usual reason for a second procedure. The agent supports the conduct of surgery rather than exerting a therapeutic effect of its own. It is an approved product whose development has reached the final clinical phase.