New diagnostic tool using fluorescence for detecting high-grade vulvar lesions

Evaluation of the Ability of PpIX Fluorescence to Mark High-grade Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia Following the Methyl Aminolevulinate (Metvixia®) Application

Phase 2 Interventional Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine · NCT05104099

This study is testing a new light-based method to help doctors find serious vulvar lesions in women who haven't had previous treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment17 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorInstitut de Cancérologie de Lorraine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy)
Trial IDNCT05104099 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates a novel fluorescence technique to identify high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias, including high-grade vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias. Participants will receive a topical application of Metvixia cream, followed by a 3-hour observation period to assess the effectiveness of the fluorescence marking. The study is conducted at a single center, focusing on patients who have not undergone prior vulvovaginal treatments. The goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy for these conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include women aged 18 and over with isolated high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or associated invasive cancer, who have not received prior vulvovaginal treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Metvixia or its components, those with ulcerated lesions, or those who have undergone previous vulvovaginal treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the early detection and management of high-grade vulvar lesions, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While fluorescence techniques have been explored in other contexts, this specific application for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia detection is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient aged 18 and over,
* With isolated high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia OR associated with invasive cancer proven histologically by biopsy
* Naive of any vulvovaginal treatment (surgery or radiotherapy)
* No metastases
* WHO \<or equal to 3
* Contraception method for women of childbearing potential
* Patient affiliated to the social security scheme
* Patient who understood, signed and dated the information note and the
* consent form,
* Patient able and willing to follow all study procedures in accordance with the protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of hypersensitivity to the active substance methyl aminolevulinate or to any of the components of the drug (including peanut oil and refined almond oil), soybean or peanut
* Ulceration or hyperpigmented lesions of the vulva
* Patient with porphyria
* Any previous vulvovaginal treatment (surgery or radiotherapy)
* Metastatic disease
* Patient undergoing treatment for any other invasive cancer
* Pregnant, likely to be or breastfeeding patient
* Patient deprived of liberty or under guardianship (including guardianship)
* Inability to undergo medical monitoring of the trial for geographic, social or psychological reasons.
* Patient already included in another therapeutic trial with an experimental molecule,
* Associated pathology that may prevent the patient from receiving METVIXIA application and light exposure.

Where this trial is running

Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy

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 Vulvar Intraepithelial NeoplasiaVulvar High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial LesionDifferentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial NeoplasiaPhotodynamic diagnosisMetvixiaDifferentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
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.