Using Indocyanine Green for Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer After Chemotherapy

Sentinel lympH Node Biopsy With Indocyanine Green in Breast Cancer After NEoadjuvant Chemotherapy (SHINE): A Prospective Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06085274

This study is testing if a special dye called Indocyanine Green can help doctors find lymph nodes more accurately during breast cancer surgery after chemotherapy, compared to the usual methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06085274 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Indocyanine Green (ICG) guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study compares the accuracy of ICG with the standard dual-tracer method, assessing intraoperative outcomes and patient-reported experiences. Participants will receive ICG injections during surgery to identify sentinel nodes, and their outcomes will be measured against established protocols. The trial aims to determine if ICG can provide a non-inferior alternative to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with stage I-III invasive breast cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and are eligible for sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical comorbidities, inflammatory breast cancer, or those who have had prior axillary surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the accuracy and safety of lymph node biopsies in breast cancer patients post-chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with ICG in lymph node identification, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults ≥ 18 and ≤ 80
2. Stage I-III core biopsy confirmed invasive breast cancer, who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and are planned to undergo SLNB with dual tracer (blue dye+Tc-99m)
3. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) \< 2
4. No ICG/iodine allergy
5. Capable of providing informed consent
6. English literacy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant medical comorbidities (ASA 4)
2. Breast cancer stage T4/inflammatory or N2 disease at presentation (SLNB is contra-indicated in this setting)
3. Clinical node positive after neoadjuvant therapy (SLNB is contra-indicated in this setting)
4. Previous axillary surgery or breast/axillary radiotherapy to ipsilateral breast
5. Active pregnancy or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 CancerInvasive breast cancerIndocyanine greenSentinel lymph node biopsyNeoadjuvant chemotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.