Glowing tumor surgery: new hope for kids with brain cancer?

NCT ID NCT04738162

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Universität Münster Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a drug called 5-ALA in 78 children with brain tumors. The drug makes tumor cells glow under a special light during surgery, helping surgeons remove more of the tumor while avoiding healthy brain. The main goal was to check if the drug is safe for children. Researchers also looked at how well the glow identifies tumor tissue and how much tumor could be removed.

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, helping surgeons remove more tumor while sparing healthy brain tissue.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase safety study (Phase 2) with no control group. The drug may cause side effects, and it is not yet proven to improve long-term outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

BRAIN TUMOR, PEDIATRIC

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

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