Award for innovative procedure for the treatment of brain tumors
Scientist Anna Schaufler from the University Clinic for Neurosurgery in Magdeburg has been awarded the Mehdorn Family Foundation (FMS) Prize for Neurosurgical Research for her project "AI-based navigation support during surgery for tumor resections using fluorescence marking". The aim of the research work is to develop a real-time navigation aid for the precise removal of malignant brain tumors, so-called glioblastomas, using fluorescence. The AI is trained to reliably detect even weak fluorescence in order to highlight and visualize the relevant tissue. The aim is to optimize the extent of tumor removal and thus improve the prognosis of affected patients. The award is endowed with prize money of 7,000 euros.
Photo: Scientist Anna Schaufler from the University Medical Center Magdeburg is developing a new type of AI technology to remove brain tumors.Photographer: Melitta Schubert/University Medicine Magdeburg
In Germany, around 8,000 people are diagnosed with primary brain tumors every year, which develop directly in the brain, usually from glial cells.Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive brain tumor.Schaufler explains: "The tumor poses an enormous challenge in treatment, as it is often resistant to conventional therapies. Complete and safe surgical removal of the tumor is therefore crucial for the prognosis of those affected. Fluorescence-supported procedures offer a promising way of making hard-to-define tumor-infiltrated areas visible during surgery."
The industrial engineer for electrical engineering and information technology is relying on artificial intelligence for the development and is working on a promising approach together with the neurosurgeons at Magdeburg University Hospital: "Our aim is to improve the detection accuracy of fluorescent areas in intraoperative images using machine learning methods. To achieve this, we are developing an artificial intelligence that is highly sensitive and specific. The AI learns to reliably recognize the fluorescence, even if it is not visible to the surgeon. This application should then enable real-time intraoperative navigation support during surgery for the removal of glioblastomas."
Photo: Scientist Anna Schaufler is awarded the Mehdorn Family Foundation's prize for neurosurgical research.Photographer: Jelena Filipinski/Family Mehdorn Foundation
The young engineer is delighted with the award and the recognition it brings: "Given the limited resources available for the treatment of glioblastoma, we are striving for innovative approaches to make progress.It is extremely encouraging that our approach has been recognized as relevant and promising by expert reviewers. I am very grateful for the support of this project and the opportunity to further advance this research."
Further information on the Mehdorn Family Foundation's Neurosurgical Research Award can be found at https://www.mehdorn-stiftung.de/
Contact
Anna Schaufler M.Sc., Research assistant, Department of Neurosurgery, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, e-mail: