Glowing dye during surgery could prevent dangerous throat leaks

NCT ID NCT06831149

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Matthew Spector Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether using a fluorescent dye and a special camera during throat surgery can help surgeons see and remove tissue with poor blood flow. Poor blood flow can lead to a leak called a pharyngocutaneous fistula, a serious complication. The trial will enroll 225 adults with throat cancer who have already had radiation therapy. Surgeons will use the imaging system to guide tissue removal, and patients will be monitored for leaks for one month after surgery.

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
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging technique could become a standard part of throat surgery to reduce painful leaks and infections after the procedure.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 225 participants, so results are not yet proven. The dye may not reliably identify all at-risk tissue, and some patients may still develop a fistula.

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.

squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PHARYNGOCUTANEOUS FISTULA SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UPMC
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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