Multimodal imaging and AI in brain tumor surgery: current tools and emerging integration

Brain tumors remain among the most challenging malignancies, necessitating advances in diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision. Integrated multimodal surgical platforms combining structural, functional, and molecular data are transforming neuro-oncology by improving surgical planning, intraoperative guidance, and patient monitoring. This perspective reviews current and emerging imaging modalities including optical techniques and AI-integrated platforms, while discussing their integration within unified clinical workflows that may advance personalized brain tumor care and surgical outcomes.