Glowing nanoparticles could help surgeons see hidden prostate cancer

NCT ID NCT04167969

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether a special nanoparticle tracer can help surgeons see prostate cancer cells during surgery. Sixteen men with high-risk prostate cancer will receive an injection of the tracer, then undergo PET/MRI scans and surgery. The goal is to see if the tracer safely highlights cancer deposits better than standard imaging, allowing for more precise removal.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: ultrasmall silica nanoparticles (C' dots) labeled with copper-64 or zirconium-89
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a way for surgeons to see hidden prostate cancer cells during surgery, potentially improving removal accuracy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early (Phase 1) trial with only 16 people, so it is mainly checking safety and feasibility. The tracer may not work as hoped, and side effects are unknown.

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.

prostate cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PROSTATE CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States
Weill Cornell Medicine
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States

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