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

NCT ID NCT04842162

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Gustave Roussy
RECRUITING

Villejuif, Val De Marne, 94800, France
Institut Jules Bordet
RECRUITING

Anderlecht, 1070, Belgium

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