Abdelhafeez H. Abdelhafeez, MD

For many pediatric solid tumors, complete resection of the primary site and metastatic deposits is critical for improved outcomes. As a pediatric cancer surgeon, my current translational research has two primary goals. The first goal is to enhance the ability to surgically resect tumors through innovative and minimally invasive approaches, whereas the second explores ways advanced imaging techniques can view a tumor’s margins. The ability to adequately view tumor margins aids in the precise removal of as much tumor as possible. Both goals strive to improve care that advance patient outcomes.

To this end, I serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) on two intervention clinical trials. One clinical trial, called ICGLOW, focuses on the utility of fluorescence-guided tumor resection and margin identification using a safe agent called indocyanine green (ICG).

I am also the PI of VISCERALX, a clinical trial that examines the feasibility of visceral solid tumors fluorescence-guided lymph node mapping. Like the ICGLOW study, the VISCERALX trial also involves the use of ICG, which is injected around the tumor to see how it drains through the lymphatic system. 

This highly collaborative work has led to the development of a tool to assess and promote improvement strategies in pediatric surgical oncology facilities, evidence-based adapted guidelines for childhood cancer management, and pediatric surgical oncology curriculum development and implementation in low- and middle-income countries. 

The combination of my clinical and research efforts directly impacts patient care and outcomes for children with childhood cancer around the globe.