Glowing dye could help surgeons spot hidden lung cancer spread

NCT ID NCT00264602

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage study tests whether a dye called indocyanine green, injected near a lung tumor during surgery, can help surgeons see and remove the first lymph node that drains from the cancer. The goal is to improve detection of cancer spread and guide more precise treatment. The trial involves 57 adults with operable lung cancer.

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 (a dye) injected near the tumor during surgery

What this could lead to

If successful, this technique could help surgeons more accurately identify and remove the lymph node most likely to contain cancer cells, potentially improving staging and treatment decisions for lung cancer patients.

What could go wrong

This is a very early (Phase 1) trial with only 57 participants, so results may not apply to all lung cancer patients. The dye or imaging might not reliably find the correct lymph node, and the procedure carries standard surgical risks.

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.

lung cancer lung neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States