AI watches dye flow to predict cancer spread in thyroid surgery

NCT ID NCT07391514

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a computer program (deep learning) can predict if papillary thyroid cancer has spread to lymph nodes beyond the first draining node. During surgery, 131 adults with no signs of lymph node spread received injections of two dyes near the tumor. A camera recorded how the dyes moved through lymph nodes, and researchers analyzed the videos along with other medical data. The goal is to help surgeons decide how much tissue to remove, but the approach is still experimental.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Indocyanine green (ICG) dye and carbon nanoparticles
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help surgeons decide how much tissue to remove during thyroid cancer surgery, potentially reducing unnecessary lymph node removal.
What could go wrong
This is a completed observational study with 131 participants, so results are preliminary. The computer predictions may not be accurate enough for routine use, and the technique requires special equipment and training.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Thyroid Cancer, Papillary thyroid gland papillary carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University

    Chongqing, 400016, China

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