Radioactive seeds zapped tumors from the inside — but trial stopped early
NCT ID NCT03886181
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early study tested a device that places radioactive seeds directly into skin, mouth, or soft tissue tumors. The seeds release alpha radiation to kill cancer cells from within. Only 2 people took part before the trial was stopped, so we don't have enough information to know if it works or is safe.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Diffusing Alpha Radiation Emitters Therapy (DaRT) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new way to treat superficial tumors by delivering targeted radiation from inside the tumor.
- What could go wrong
- This very early trial was terminated after enrolling only 2 people, so we have very little data. The approach may not prove safe or effective in larger studies.
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 MUCOSAL NEOPLASM OF ORAL CAVITY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Locations
-
IRCCS Istituto Dermatologico S. Gallicano, IFO - Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri - Dermatologia Oncologica e Prevenzione
Rome, Lazio, Italy
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can your genes predict your melanoma risk?
- A UV photo and a cheek swab may be the keys to stopping sunburn before it starts
- Night shift workers' skin may struggle to fix sun damage, study suggests
- What makes skin cancer patients happy after surgery?
- Alpha radiation seeds target tumors from the inside
- AI reads social media posts to spot suicide risk in skin cancer patients