GLO-Surgery: Indocyanine Green and near infrared fLuorescence in paediatric Oncology surgery
This study is called GLO-Surgery and is for children and young people who have certain types of cancer, specifically those with cancer that has spread to their lungs, or specific abdominal, chest, or kidney cancers. Doctors are trying a special dye, Indocyanine Green, with a special camera during surgery. The dye lights up when a special camera is used, which might help surgeons see cancer cells more clearly, especially when taking out lymph nodes. They want to find out if the dye helps them remove all the cancer and if it’s safe to use. This is a Phase II study, meaning they're still testing how well it works and checking for side effects.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The GLO-Surgery study is trying to make a difference for children and young people undergoing surgery for certain types of cancer. Imagine surgeons trying to remove very tiny, sometimes invisible, cancer cells. It's like finding a needle in a haystack. This study uses a special dye called Indocyanine Green, which is given to the patient before surgery. When a special camera with near-infrared light is used during the operation, this dye can make cancer cells, especially in the lymph nodes, glow. This glow might help surgeons see exactly where the cancer is, making it easier to remove all of it.
This is a 'Phase II' study, which means it's still in the earlier stages. Doctors are carefully watching to see how well the dye works and if it helps them find more cancer than they would without it. They are particularly interested in how many lymph nodes they can check using this new method. Lymph nodes are tiny glands that are part of the body's immune system, and cancer can sometimes spread to them.
The main goal is to see if this dye helps surgeons be more precise, leading to better outcomes for patients. They will also be keeping a very close eye on any side effects the dye might cause and how happy surgeons are with how it helps their work. By doing this, they hope to improve cancer surgeries for children in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study uses a special dye during surgery to help identify cancer.
- It's for young people (aged 18+) with certain types of cancer, like lung metastases or specific abdominal/thoracic tumours.
- The dye aims to help surgeons find and remove cancer, especially in lymph nodes, more accurately.
- It's a Phase II study, meaning doctors are carefully testing how well it works and its safety.
- Participation involves receiving the dye before surgery and close monitoring afterwards.
- You can stop taking part at any time without affecting your medical treatment.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for young people aged 18 and older, both male and female, who have certain types of cancer. You might be eligible if your cancer has spread to your lungs from any original tumour. It also includes specific abdominal (tummy) or chest cancers like Rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of soft tissue cancer), other soft tissue sarcomas, Neuroblastoma (a type of nerve cell cancer), or a Malignant Germ cell tumour.
You could also be considered if you have a kidney tumour or a specific type of Rhabdomyosarcoma near the testes, and your doctors are planning to remove lymph nodes as part of your surgery. All patients must be planning to have surgery, either 'keyhole' (minimally invasive) or 'open' surgery.
It's important to remember that these are just general guidelines. Your specialist doctor will be able to tell you if this study might be suitable for you based on all the details of your health.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have cancer that has spread to your lungs?
- Do you have a specific abdominal (tummy) or chest cancer like Rhabdomyosarcoma, other soft tissue sarcoma, Neuroblastoma, or a Malignant Germ cell tumour?
- Are you having surgery (keyhole or open) for one of these conditions?
- Are you having surgery for a kidney tumour or para-testicular Rhabdomyosarcoma that includes removing lymph nodes?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the main part of it will happen during your planned surgery. Before your operation, you will receive an injection of the special dye, Indocyanine Green. During your surgery, the doctors will use special equipment to look for areas that light up to help them find cancer, especially in your lymph nodes. They will then take samples of these areas.
After your surgery, the doctors will continue to check on your recovery and any side effects you might experience from the dye. They will also look at the samples taken during surgery to see how well the dye helped identify cancer cells. The length of your participation will mostly cover your hospital stay for the surgery and a follow-up to check for any issues. There aren't extra visits or long-term check-ups specifically for this study outside your usual cancer care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —Netherlands
Common questions
What is Indocyanine Green dye?
It's a special dye that lights up under a specific type of camera during surgery, which can help doctors see tiny cancer cells more clearly.
Is this a new medicine?
The dye itself has been used in medicine before, but this study is testing if it can help improve cancer surgery for children and young people.
Will I have extra tests if I join?
The main part of the study happens during your planned surgery. You won't have many extra tests specifically for the study outside your usual care.
What if I change my mind?
You can decide to stop being part of the study at any time, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.
Who is this study for?
It's for young people aged 18 and over with certain types of cancer that affect the lungs, belly, chest, or kidneys, who are having surgery.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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