Glowing dye during surgery could prevent dangerous throat leaks

NCT ID NCT06831149

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • UPMC

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••