Comparing Propofol and Sevoflurane for Children's Tumor Surgery

The Effects of Propofol Based Intravenous vs Sevoflurane Inhalation Anaesthesia on Inflammation and Circulating Tumor Cells in Paediatric Tumor Surgery - a Pilot Study

Phase 4 Interventional Hong Kong Children's Hospital · NCT04475705

This study is testing whether two types of anesthesia, propofol and sevoflurane, can affect the health and recovery of children having surgery for tumors.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorHong Kong Children's Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT04475705 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effects of two different anesthesia techniques, propofol intravenous anesthesia and sevoflurane inhalational anesthesia, on pediatric patients undergoing surgery for solid tumor excision. The study aims to evaluate how these anesthetics influence circulating tumor cells, oxidative stress, and biomarkers of immunity, which may impact disease recurrence and survival rates. A total of 100 patients will be randomly assigned to receive either type of anesthesia at Hong Kong Children's Hospital, with a focus on measuring perioperative outcomes over a three-year period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients over 5 kg requiring elective primary solid tumor resection at Hong Kong Children's Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with autoimmune diseases, recent surgeries for tumor removal, or allergies to propofol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and survival rates for pediatric cancer patients by identifying the optimal anesthesia technique.

How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence in adults suggesting propofol may improve outcomes compared to sevoflurane, this specific approach in pediatric patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients coming for elective primary solid tumor resection for curative intent in Hong Kong Children's Hospital
* AND patients \> 5kg
* AND patients within age limit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Autoimmune / Chronic inflammatory diseases e.g. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) etc.
* Current Steroid therapy
* Surgery for tumour removal in the past year
* Allergy to Propofol
* intraoperative use of nitrous oxide
* Patient susceptible to Malignant Hyperthermia
* Patients / parents / legal guardians showing preference in anaesthetic techniques during recruitment process

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Solid TumorCarcinomaMalignancyCancerpropofolsevofluranecancer surgerycirculating tumor cells
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.