German cancer surgeons have, for the first time, successfully removed a tumour with the aid of new 3-D computer modelling software which the designers say will make these operations safer and more accurate.
Removing a cancerous tumour is a critical, if relatively routine, procedure. New software developed by computational molecular biologists at the German Cancer Research Centre (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum) promises, literally, to enhance the surgical precision of cancer-related medical interventions.
A team of surgeons at Heidelberg University Surgical Hospital have already used the new 3-D modelling program to remove a pancreatic tumour. “The more information one gets about a tumour, the better are the chances of successful surgery,” explains Markus Buchler who led the surgeons.
This is particularly true when it comes to the pancreas which is surrounded by a number of important organs and blood vessels. Prior to removing a tumour in the pancreas, surgeons need to know whether the growth is restricted to the pancreas or has spread to surrounding tissue. With the two-dimensional readings provided by conventional hospital equipment, this can prove tricky.