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

NCT ID NCT06915727

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.

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.

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic in Rochester

    RECRUITING

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

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

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

    Contact