Detecting cancer margins during breast surgery using advanced imaging technology

Quantitative OCT-Raman Spectral Imaging for Intra-operative Detection of Positive Margins in Breast Conserving Surgery

Observational University of Nottingham · NCT06977698

This study is testing a new imaging system that helps surgeons find cancerous tissue more accurately during breast cancer surgery to improve patient outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Nottingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nottingham)
Trial IDNCT06977698 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop a novel OCT-Raman system that utilizes a selective sampling approach for high-resolution analysis of lumpectomy specimens in breast cancer surgeries. The system employs Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to identify adipose tissue, allowing for focused Raman spectroscopy measurements on non-adipose tissue regions, which are more likely to contain cancerous cells. By integrating deep learning algorithms, the device automates data acquisition and analysis, ultimately providing surgeons with a diagnostic map indicating positive margins in real-time during surgery. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the accuracy of margin detection and improve surgical outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients undergoing wide local excision for breast cancer who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with uncertain diagnoses based on previous biopsies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could significantly reduce the rates of cancer recurrence by ensuring complete removal of cancerous tissue during surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar imaging techniques for margin detection in other types of cancer have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Patients undergoing breast surgery (wide local excision).
* Able to give informed consent.
* Any age.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients where there is any doubt regarding the diagnosis from pathologist as ascertained by previous diagnostic biopsy.

Where this trial is running

Nottingham

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 Breast Cancer InvasiveBreast cancerMargins
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.