Fast detection of cancer in sentinel lymph nodes using a new NIR-II fluorescent probe.

Rapid Assessment of Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis Status Using a Pan-CK-targeting NIR-II Fluorescent Probe in Breast Cancer

Observational Yunnan Cancer Hospital · NCT07154563

This test applies a new near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescent probe to freshly removed sentinel lymph nodes to quickly tell adults with breast cancer whether the cancer has spread there.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexFemale
SponsorYunnan Cancer Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kunming, Yunnan)
Trial IDNCT07154563 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational protocol uses an ex vivo approach in which freshly excised sentinel lymph nodes are incubated briefly in graded concentrations of a pan-cytokeratin-targeting NIR-II probe and then imaged with a dedicated NIR-II system. Imaging data are processed with quantitative algorithms to generate fluorescence-based predictions of metastatic involvement. Multiple incubation times and probe concentrations are explored to optimize signal and speed. Final diagnoses are confirmed by standard histopathology to compare accuracy and concordance with the fluorescence readout.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 with resectable breast cancer who are scheduled for sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection and who can give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing SLN removal, who have contraindications to surgery, or who cannot provide informed consent are unlikely to benefit from this procedure.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, surgeons could learn sentinel node status during the operation, potentially avoiding unnecessary axillary dissections and reducing postoperative complications.

How similar studies have performed: Near-infrared I (ICG) imaging is widely used for node mapping and NIR-II probes have shown promising preclinical results, but clinical validation for rapid ex vivo SLN metastasis detection is still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients between 18-75 years of age
* Patients presenting with a breast nodule or mass presumed to be resectable on pre-operative assessment
* Breast cancer patients who are scheduled to undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection;
* Good operative candidate
* Subject capable of giving informed consent and participating in the process of consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients unable to participate in the consent process
* Patients had contraindications to surgery, such as serious cardiopulmonary disease, coagulation dysfunction, etc

Where this trial is running

Kunming, Yunnan

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 MetastaticSentinel Lymph NodeSentinel Lymph Node BiopsyMetastasisNIR-IIBreast Cancer
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.