Glow-in-the-Dark dye could help surgeons spot hidden cancer

NCT ID NCT06819228

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

Summary

This early-phase trial tests a fluorescent dye attached to the cancer drug panitumumab to help surgeons see head and neck cancer during surgery. 18 adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma will receive the dye before surgery, and a special camera will highlight cancer tissue. The goal is to find the best dose for imaging and to improve tumor removal.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Panitumumab-IRDye800 (a fluorescently labeled version of the drug panitumumab)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help surgeons remove more cancer tissue during surgery and find the right drug dose for future treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study (18 people) focused on imaging and dosing, not treatment effectiveness. The dye is investigational and may not improve outcomes.

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 HNSCC are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma laryngeal disorder Mouth Neoplasms squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck tongue cancer

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: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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

    Contact

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