Glow-in-the-Dark brain surgery: new hope for kids with tumors?
NCT ID NCT06907485
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a drug called Gleolan (5-ALA) can make brain tumors glow during surgery in children aged 2 to 18. The drug is already used in adults to help surgeons remove more tumor tissue. Twenty children with suspected gliomas will drink the drug before surgery, and doctors will check how well the tumor lights up. The main goal is to see if this approach is feasible and safe in kids.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride, also called 5-ALA)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could help surgeons remove more of a child's brain tumor during surgery by making the tumor glow, potentially improving outcomes.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early feasibility study with only 20 children, so results may not apply to all. The drug can cause sun sensitivity, requiring children to stay in dim light for 2 days after surgery.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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MidWest Children's Brain Tumor Center, Advocate Children's Hospital Park Ridge
Chicago, Illinois, 60068, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••