Recruiting

Testing a special dye to help surgeons find lung cancer during surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT03582124 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1/2 — A combined trial that checks safety and dosing while also starting to look at whether the treatment works.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether , a special dye combined with a protein that targets cancer cells, can help surgeons see lung cancer more clearly during surgery. The dye glows under special infrared light, which may allow doctors to identify cancer tissue and affected lymph nodes that might be invisible under normal lighting. Researchers want to find the right dose and timing to make this imaging tool as helpful as possible.

During lung cancer surgery, it can be difficult for surgeons to see all the cancer tissue, especially smaller tumors or affected lymph nodes. This medication is designed to light up cancer cells, potentially helping surgeons remove all diseased tissue and improve treatment outcomes.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have a lung nodule or mass suspected to be cancer, whether it's a primary lung cancer or cancer that has spread to the lungs
you are already scheduled to have lung surgery as part of your standard medical care
you are in good enough health to undergo surgery, with adequate blood counts and kidney function
you have not taken any experimental drugs in the past 30 days

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or unstable heart condition within the past 6 months
you have had a severe allergic reaction to monoclonal antibody drugs in the past
you are pregnant or breastfeeding
you have a history of lung inflammation or scarring (interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis)
you are taking certain heart rhythm medications that could interact with this treatment

What participation looks like

You would receive an intravenous infusion of the medication over about one hour. Then, between 1 and 5 days later, you would undergo your planned lung surgery. During the surgery, doctors would use special infrared imaging equipment to see if the dye helps them identify cancer tissue. After surgery, you would be followed up for about 30 days to monitor your recovery and any side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 18, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California