Glowing dye could help surgeons spot hidden lung cancer spread

NCT ID NCT03097575

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether injecting a near-infrared dye called indocyanine green (ICG) around a lung tumor can help surgeons see the tumor and the first lymph node it drains to during surgery. About 100 adults having lung surgery will receive the dye, and a special camera will detect it. The goal is to improve how accurately surgeons remove tumors and check for cancer spread.

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 technique could help surgeons more precisely locate lung tumors and the first lymph node they drain to, potentially improving cancer staging and removal.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 100 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The dye injection carries risks like allergic reactions, and the imaging may not always work as expected.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lung cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SENTINEL LYMPH NODE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 01224, United States

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