Duly Surgeon First in Illinois to Use Tumor-Illuminating Technology for Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Dr. Sameer Sharma performs ovarian cancer surgeries using newly approved Cytalux imaging agent that causes cancerous tissue to 'glow'.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Duly Health and Care announced that Dr. Sameer Sharma, a gynecologic oncologist at Duly Health and Care's Chicagoland medical group, DuPage Medical Group, Ltd., is the first physician in Illinois to perform ovarian cancer surgery using Cytalux, a newly approved imaging agent that causes cancerous tissue to 'glow' and can help surgeons see and remove tumors with greater precision. Dr. Sharma brings over 20 years of experience in gynecologic oncology and performs about 60 advanced ovarian cancer surgeries each year, placing him among the highest-volume ovarian cancer surgeons in the country.

Why it matters

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most deadly gynecologic cancers, claiming more than 12,000 lives each year in the United States, including nearly 500 in Illinois. Innovations like Cytalux, combined with experienced oncologic surgical care, give doctors new ways to improve outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

The details

Administered prior to surgery, Cytalux causes ovarian cancer cells to 'glow' under a specialized camera, enabling surgeons to detect disease that may not be visible to the naked eye. This can help ensure complete tumor removal, which is critical for ovarian cancer patients. Only a small number of specialized health systems nationwide offer Cytalux for ovarian cancer surgery, placing Duly among a select group delivering this cutting-edge cancer care.

  • Dr. Sharma performed the first Cytalux-assisted ovarian cancer surgery in Illinois in February 2026.

The players

Dr. Sameer Sharma

A gynecologic oncologist at Duly Health and Care's Chicagoland medical group, DuPage Medical Group, Ltd., with over 20 years of experience in gynecologic oncology and one of the highest-volume ovarian cancer surgeons in the country.

Duly Health and Care

A large independent, multi-specialty, physician-directed medical group in the Midwest with over 1,000 primary care and specialty care providers and over 6,000 team members across more than 150 locations.

Cytalux

A newly approved imaging agent that causes cancerous tissue to 'glow' under a specialized camera, helping surgeons see and remove tumors with greater precision.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ovarian cancer surgery often comes down to what you can't see. Cytalux gives us another set of eyes in the operating room. When cancer cells light up, it helps us be more precise, more confident, and ultimately more effective for our patients.”

— Dr. Sameer Sharma, Gynecologic Oncologist

“For patients, this technology can mean the difference between leaving microscopic disease behind and removing everything we possibly can. That matters - not just for today's surgery but for what comes next in their treatment and recovery.”

— Dr. Sameer Sharma, Gynecologic Oncologist

What’s next

Duly Health and Care plans to continue offering Cytalux-assisted ovarian cancer surgery, as part of their commitment to delivering cutting-edge cancer care to patients in the Midwest.

The takeaway

This innovative technology, combined with Dr. Sharma's extensive experience as a high-volume ovarian cancer surgeon, provides new hope for ovarian cancer patients in Illinois and the surrounding region to achieve better outcomes through more precise and effective surgical treatment.