Glowing dye could help surgeons remove Kids' brain tumors more safely

NCT ID NCT04738162

First seen Jan 09, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 28 times

Summary

This study tested whether a drug called 5-ALA is safe for children and teens with brain tumors. The drug makes tumor cells glow under a special light during surgery, helping surgeons remove more of the tumor while protecting healthy brain tissue. 78 participants aged 3 to 18 were enrolled, and the main goal was to check for serious side effects.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Neurochirurgische Klinik der Universität München (LMU)

    München, 81377, Germany

  • Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie BV

    Utrecht, 3584, Netherlands

  • University Hospital Münster, Klinik für Neurochirurgie

    Münster, 48149, Germany

  • Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Klinik für Neurochirurgie

    Augsburg, 86146, Germany

  • Universitätsklinikum Essen, Klinik für Neurochirurgie

    Essen, 45147, Germany

  • Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Klinik für Neurochirurgie

    Tübingen, 72076, Germany

  • Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurochirurgie

    Mainz, 55131, Germany

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) oral solution

What this could lead to

If successful, this could make brain tumor surgery safer and more precise for children by helping surgeons see tumor tissue more clearly during the operation.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study focused on safety, not effectiveness. The results may not apply to all pediatric brain tumors, and there is a risk of side effects from the drug or surgery.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer brain neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.