Mapping lymph nodes in colon cancer using fluorescent dye

Lymph Node Mapping Via the Flourescent Dye ICG in Colon Cancer Through Preoperative Application

NA · Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT04959604

This study is testing if a special dye can help doctors see lymph nodes during colon cancer surgery to improve how they remove cancer and help patients do better afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (other)
Locations1 site (Hamburg)
Trial IDNCT04959604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using indocyanine green (ICG) dye to visualize lymph nodes draining from colon carcinoma during surgery. Participants diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon will receive ICG injections prior to surgery, allowing for the identification of lymph nodes that may be outside the standard resection lines. The study aims to document the locations of these nodes and correlate their fluorescence with cancer positivity. This approach could enhance surgical precision and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with histologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the ascending, transverse, descending, or sigmoid colon.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of carcinoma or those for whom endoscopic marking is not possible may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could lead to more comprehensive cancer resections and better management of lymph node metastases in colon cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Similar studies using fluorescent dyes for lymphatic mapping have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* histologically diagnosed carcinoma of the ascending, transverse, descending or sigmoid colon.

Exclusion Criteria:

* not wanting to participate
* other carcinoma then adenocarcinoma
* endoscopic marking not possible

Where this trial is running

Hamburg

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colon Carcinoma, Lymph Node Metastases, indocyanine green, lymphatic mapping, fluorescence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.