Objective:

To assess the feasibility and diagnostic performance of a nanostructured plasmonic biosensor for margin assessment in brain metastases surgery.

Approach:

• Study Design: A prospective multicenter study was conducted with patients having newly diagnosed brain metastases eligible for surgical treatment.
• Patient Selection: Inclusion criteria included adults ≥ 18 years, newly diagnosed brain metastases, and histopathological confirmation.
• Data Collection: Clinical and radiological data were collected, including patient demographics and tumor characteristics.
• Tissue Sampling: Tumor and adjacent peritumoral tissue specimens were collected intraoperatively following a standardized protocol.
• Biosensor Operation: The biosensor utilized a gold film with a square array of circular nanoholes to detect refractive index changes in tissue.

Key Findings:

• The biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing glioblastoma from peritumoral brain tissue.
• The technology provides real-time assessment of tumor margins without the need for fluorescent agents.

Interpretation:

The EOT-based biosensor may offer valuable information regarding the tumor–brain interface during surgery.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to specific hospitals and may not be generalizable to all surgical settings.
• Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to confirm findings.

Conclusion:

The study suggests that the nanoplasmonic biosensor could enhance intraoperative margin assessment in brain metastases surgery.