Glowing dye could help surgeons spot hidden cancers during surgery

NCT ID NCT07124351

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a dye called pafolacianine (CYTALUX™) can make cancer cells glow under near-infrared light during surgery. Fifteen adults with gastric, esophageal, or appendiceal cancer will receive the dye before standard surgery. Surgeons will use a special camera to look for glowing tumors that might otherwise be missed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

pafolacianine (CYTALUX™)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help surgeons find and remove more cancer during surgery, potentially improving outcomes for people with these gastrointestinal cancers.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early feasibility study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The dye may not reliably highlight all cancer tissue.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

appendiceal neoplasm appendix adenocarcinoma appendix cancer digestive system cancer digestive system neoplasm esophageal cancer Esophageal Neoplasms gastric cancer gastric neoplasm gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

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

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States

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