Can a smart light beam help surgeons remove every last cancer cell?

NCT ID NCT06977698

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: University of Nottingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial is testing a new imaging system that combines two types of light-based technology to help surgeons see if any cancer cells remain at the edges of removed breast tissue during surgery. The goal is to reduce the need for repeat operations. About 120 people undergoing breast-conserving surgery will take part, and the system will be evaluated for speed and accuracy.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: a multimodal spectroscopic imaging system combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help surgeons remove all cancerous tissue in one operation, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage feasibility study, so the technology may not prove accurate enough in real-time surgery. The system also requires further refinement before it could be widely used.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm invasive breast carcinoma Margins of Excision

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER INVASIVE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Nottingham university hospitals
RECRUITING

Nottingham, United Kingdom

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