Glow-in-the-dark dye could help surgeons remove brain tumors completely

NCT ID NCT02191488

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: David W. Roberts Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 2 times

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.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BRAIN METASTASIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain cancer brain neoplasm glioma meningioma metastatic malignant neoplasm in the brain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRAIN TUMORS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.