New Imaging Tech Helps Surgeons Spot Hidden Cancer

Cytalux, a first-of-its-kind FDA-approved agent, makes cancer cells glow to improve surgical precision.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:47pm

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A Chicago doctor is using a new FDA-approved imaging technology called Cytalux to help surgeons better detect and remove cancer cells that are often missed during surgery. The agent causes cancer cells to glow neon green under near-infrared lighting, allowing doctors to more precisely identify and remove cancerous tissue.

Why it matters

Up to 55% of patients who undergo cancer surgery experience a recurrence because small lesions are left behind that surgeons cannot see. Cytalux increases surgical precision, helping remove more cancer while preserving healthy tissue, which can mean faster recovery times.

The details

Cytalux is an optical imaging agent designed to highlight cancer cells that are difficult to see with the naked eye. For lung cancer patients, the agent is given through a single infusion before surgery. During the procedure, Cytalux targets cancer cells and causes them to glow neon green when viewed under near-infrared lighting, allowing surgeons to better identify cancerous tissue.

  • Cytalux was recently approved by the FDA.

The players

Loyola University Medical Center

A Chicago-based academic medical center where doctors are using the new Cytalux imaging technology.

Endeavor Health

A healthcare organization partnering with Loyola University Medical Center on the use of Cytalux.

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What’s next

The new procedure is only approved for lung and ovarian cancer so far, but doctors hope to expand its use to other cancer types in the future.

The takeaway

This new imaging technology represents a significant advancement in cancer surgery, allowing doctors to more accurately identify and remove cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to healthy cells. It has the potential to improve outcomes and recovery times for many cancer patients.