Glow-in-the-Dark tracer could reveal who responds to immunotherapy

NCT ID NCT05450484

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Medical Center Groningen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a new imaging method to see a protein called PD-L1 in esophageal tumors. PD-L1 levels may help predict if immunotherapy will work, but current biopsy tests are often inaccurate. Researchers gave 21 patients a fluorescent tracer that binds to PD-L1, then used a special endoscope to measure the signal before and after standard cancer therapy. The goal was to see if the technique is safe and can show how PD-L1 expression varies within tumors.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: durvalumab-680LT (a fluorescent tracer)
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging technique could help doctors see which patients might benefit from immunotherapy, leading to more personalized treatment for esophageal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (21 people) focused on safety and feasibility, not on proving the technique improves outcomes. The tracer may not reliably predict treatment response.

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.

esophageal cancer Esophageal Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Medical Center Groningen

Groningen, 9713 GZ, Netherlands

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