Fluorescence‐guided surgery for high‐grade gliomas

5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) is a prodrug that results in the fluorescence of high‐grade gliomas relative to the surrounding brain parenchyma. 5‐ALA has been increasingly utilized in fluorescence‐guided surgery for these tumors, and its intraoperative use has been associated with a significantly improved extent of resection and progression‐free survival. This review outlines the growing body of evidence that has culminated in the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of 5‐ALA, as well as emerging applications for this agent.