Dual-agent fluorescence-guided surgery for colorectal liver metastases
When bowel cancer spreads to the liver, surgery is often the best treatment to remove the tumours. However, tiny spots of cancer can be hard for surgeons to see. This clinical trial is testing a technique called dual-agent fluorescence-guided surgery. Before or during the operation, patients are given two safe imaging dyes. Under a specialised light and camera in the operating theatre, these dyes make the cancer cells glow. This helps the surgical team see the exact edges of the tumours and spot any tiny deposits that might otherwise be missed. The trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who are scheduled to have surgery for bowel cancer that has spread to the liver. Researchers want to find out if this glowing technique makes surgery more accurate, safe, and effective at clearing the cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. In some cases, cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream and settle in the liver. These are known as colorectal liver metastases, or secondary liver tumours. The most effective treatment to cure or control the disease is often an operation to cut out the affected parts of the liver.
During a standard operation, surgeons use their eyesight, touch, and previous scans to find and remove the tumours. However, tiny clusters of cancer cells can hide in healthy liver tissue. This study looks at 'fluorescence-guided surgery' using two different glowing agents (dyes). When injected into the body, these agents travel to the liver and highlight the cancer and surrounding tissue in different colours under a special near-infrared camera.
By lighting up the cancer in real time, surgeons hope to achieve two crucial goals: completely remove the tumours so the cancer is less likely to return, and avoid cutting away unnecessary healthy liver. This integrated Phase 2 and Phase 3 trial will check how safe the dyes are and whether this glowing technique leads to better surgical results than traditional methods.
Key takeaways
- The study tests two glowing dyes to help surgeons spot bowel cancer tumours in the liver.
- The goal is to remove all cancer cells while saving as much healthy liver as possible.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over who are scheduled for liver surgery for bowel cancer.
- The dyes are not radioactive and are given through a standard drip before or during surgery.
- Taking part is voluntary and will not delay your planned surgical treatment.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is designed for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer that has spread to the liver. To take part, you must already be scheduled to have an operation to remove these liver tumours.
You may not be eligible if you have known severe allergies to the imaging dyes or contrast agents used in the study. You might also be excluded if your general health, kidney function, or heart health makes taking part unsafe, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your hospital care team will look closely at your medical history, recent scans, and blood tests to make sure that joining the study is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have been diagnosed with bowel cancer that has spread to my liver.
- My medical team has recommended an operation to remove the liver tumours.
- I do not have a known severe allergy to medical imaging dyes.
- I am not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your surgical care will largely follow the usual hospital pathway, with a few extra steps. Before your operation, you will receive the two imaging dyes, usually through a small drip into a vein. During your surgery, the doctor will use a specialised camera system to look for glowing cancer tissue as they operate.
After your surgery, you will recover in hospital as normal. The team will monitor you closely for any reactions to the dyes. You will attend regular follow-up clinic visits over several months to check your recovery and liver health. In total, your participation will last from your pre-surgery preparation through to your routine post-surgery follow-up checks, typically lasting up to a year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —UnverifiedNetherlands
Common questions
What does fluorescence-guided surgery mean?
It means using safe dyes that glow under a special light or camera, helping surgeons clearly see the difference between cancer tissue and healthy tissue during an operation.
Are the glowing dyes radioactive?
No, the dyes used in this study are optical dyes that react to light. They do not use radiation.
Will taking part delay my cancer operation?
No, the trial is designed to fit into your planned surgery schedule so that your cancer treatment is not delayed.
Will I have to stay in hospital longer?
Taking part should not usually extend your hospital stay. Your recovery time will depend mainly on the liver surgery itself.
What happens if I change my mind after joining?
You are free to leave the trial at any point. You do not have to give a reason, and your medical team will continue to provide your normal care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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