Glow-in-the-dark dye could help surgeons remove brain tumors completely
NCT ID NCT02191488
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a drug called 5-ALA can make brain tumor cells glow during surgery, helping surgeons see and remove the entire tumor. About 540 adults with brain tumors will receive 5-ALA before surgery, and doctors will measure how well the glow matches actual tumor tissue. The goal is to improve how completely tumors are removed, which may help patients live longer.
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)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help surgeons remove brain tumors more completely, potentially improving survival and reducing regrowth.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase study focused on measuring fluorescence, not on patient outcomes. The technique may not work for all tumor types or may not improve surgical results.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States