Glow-in-the-Dark dye could help surgeons see hidden cancer cells

NCT ID NCT04842162

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a special dye (indocyanine green) and a near-infrared camera can help surgeons see tiny bits of cancer left behind during head and neck cancer surgery. About 65 adults with oral or throat cancer will receive the dye before surgery. The camera will scan the surgical area, and results will be compared with standard lab tests to see how accurate the imaging is at finding leftover disease.

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 into the bloodstream)

What this could lead to

If successful, this imaging technique could help surgeons remove all cancer cells during surgery, potentially reducing the need for additional treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study (65 people) focused on accuracy, not on long-term outcomes. The dye may not reliably detect all microscopic disease, and results may not apply to all head and neck cancers.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms

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: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Gustave Roussy

    RECRUITING

    Villejuif, Val De Marne, 94800, France

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

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

  • Institut Jules Bordet

    RECRUITING

    Anderlecht, 1070, Belgium

    Contact