Using a special probe to improve cancer surgery outcomes

Using a Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Probe In-vivo to Identify Tumour and Non-tumour Tissue in the Gastrointestinal Tract to Aid Margin Assessment

NA · Imperial College London · NCT05830292

This study tests whether a special probe can help surgeons remove all of a tumor while saving healthy tissue during gastrointestinal cancer surgeries.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT05830292 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study utilizes a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) probe during gastrointestinal cancer surgeries to enhance the accuracy of tumor margin assessments. The probe illuminates tissue and collects reflected light to create detailed spectroscopic images, helping surgeons differentiate between normal and cancerous tissues in real-time. By tracking the probe's position, the research team aims to ensure complete tumor resection while preserving healthy tissue. The study is conducted in the operating theatre with participants undergoing elective GI cancer surgeries at Imperial College NHS Trust.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 undergoing elective primary surgeries for upper or lower gastrointestinal cancers.

Not a fit: Patients who are undergoing emergency surgeries, re-operations, or who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced recurrence rates for patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar spectroscopic techniques have shown promise in improving cancer diagnosis and surgical outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing primary upper GI cancer resection surgery
* Patients undergoing primary lower GI (colorectal) cancer resection surgery
* Patients \>18 years of age
* Patients who consent to take part in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who do not consent to the study or decline to participate
* Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria
* Patients who lack capacity
* Patients undergoing emergency lower or upper GI cancer surgery
* Patients undergoing re-operation for cancer surgery
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

London

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: Gastrointestinal Cancer, cancer, artificial intelligence, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, gastrointestinal

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.