Glow-in-the-Dark dye could help surgeons find hidden tumors in kids

NCT ID NCT06915727

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 3 trial tests whether a fluorescent dye called pafolacianine (Cytalux) can help surgeons see and remove solid tumors in children and teens during surgery. The dye targets cancer cells and lights up under a special near-infrared camera. Up to 20 participants aged 6 months to 17 years with solid tumors in the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or limbs will receive the dye before surgery. The goal is to see if this technique improves the accuracy of tumor removal compared to standard methods.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Pafolacianine (Cytalux), a fluorescent imaging dye given intravenously
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help surgeons more accurately locate and remove all cancerous tissue in children with solid tumors, potentially reducing the need for repeat surgeries.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The dye's effectiveness and safety in pediatric patients are still being studied.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

childhood malignant neoplasm Head and Neck Neoplasms malignant tumor of neck Pelvic Neoplasms thoracic cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHILDHOOD MALIGNANT SOLID NEOPLASM CHILDHOOD MALIGNANT THORACIC NEOPLASM MALIGNANT ABDOMINAL NEOPLASM MALIGNANT NECK NEOPLASM MALIGNANT PELVIC NEOPLASM METASTATIC CHILDHOOD MALIGNANT SOLID NEOPLASM

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
RECRUITING

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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