High-grade gliomas are a type of fast-growing brain tumour. Treatment for high-grade gliomas involves surgery to remove as much of the tumour as safely as possible to help people feel better and live longer. Removing the brain tumour can be challenging because it is difficult for surgeons to see the difference between the tumour and healthy brain tissue during surgery.

5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (5-ALA) is a drug that is used to help surgeons see the tumour better during surgery and guide its removal. After 5-ALA is administered, areas of the tumour glow pink or red, and healthy brain tissue appears blue, when exposed to a special blue light during surgery.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe and effective 5-ALA–guided surgery is for people with high-grade gliomas. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding 5-ALA and the experiences, preferences, and values of an adult who had experience with high-grade glioma, standard surgical treatment, and 5-ALA–guided surgery.