Robot-assisted biopsy for testicular cancer

RAISN - Robot-assisted ICG-guided Sentinel Node Biopsy in Testicular Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf · NCT06133543

This study is testing a new robot-assisted method for taking biopsies in men with testicular cancer to see if it can more accurately find hidden cancer and reduce unnecessary treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexMale
SponsorHeinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Düsseldorf)
Trial IDNCT06133543 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates a novel technique called robot-assisted image-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (RAISN) for patients with testicular cancer. The approach aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosing occult metastatic disease in clinical stage I testicular cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary treatments and associated toxicities. By utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) for imaging, this minimally invasive procedure could change the management of newly diagnosed patients. The study will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this technique compared to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with clinically confirmed testicular tumors and no evidence of metastases.

Not a fit: Patients with uncertain tumor dignity or those who have undergone prior surgeries for reasons other than germ cell tumors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduced overtreatment for testicular cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While few studies have explored sentinel lymph node diagnostics in testicular cancer, the use of similar robotic and imaging techniques has shown promise in other cancers.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinically confirmed unequivocal testicular tumor by palpation and sonography with or without elevation of specific tumor markers AFP and/or ß-HCG.
* Clinical exclusion of metastases in preoperative staging using contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax and abdomen.
* The patient is of legal age.
* The patient can communicate with the investigator without issues or limitations and can understand and sign the patient information and consent form without problems or limitations.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Testicular tumor with uncertain dignity
* Patients with small testicular masses (\< 1 cm)
* Patients with prior scrotal or retroperitoneal surgery for reasons other than a germ cell tumor.
* The patient has received different chemotherapy.
* The patient has undergone retroperitoneal radiotherapy.
* Exclusion criteria for the use of ICG include a history of anaphylactic reactions to ICG and iodine intolerance (ICG solution contains sodium iodide).
* The patient is in a reduced general condition or has a life-threatening illness.
* The patient has a psychiatric illness.

Where this trial is running

Düsseldorf

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 Germ Cell TumorSeminomaNonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor
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.