Plain-English translation of NCT04498221 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing a new imaging technique called sentinel node biopsy to help doctors see exactly where throat cancer has spread in the lymph nodes of the neck. During your routine examination under anesthesia, doctors will inject a tiny amount of radioactive tracer (either human albumin colloidal particles or Lymphoseek) near your tumor, then use a special camera to detect which lymph nodes the cancer is most likely to have reached. This helps doctors decide whether you need treatment on one side of your neck or both.
Right now, doctors have to make educated guesses about whether throat cancer has spread to both sides of the neck, which means some patients get treated unnecessarily on both sides (causing long-term swallowing problems) while others miss cancer on the untreated side. This new imaging method could give doctors much more accurate information so they can tailor treatment to exactly what each patient needs.
You likely qualify if…
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You will participate in two stages during routine medical exams performed under anesthesia. In the imaging stage, doctors will inject the radioactive tracer near your tumor and use a handheld camera to identify which lymph nodes the cancer has likely spread to. In the surgical stage, doctors will remove the lymph nodes identified on imaging and examine them in detail under the microscope. The entire process happens as part of your standard cancer care examinations.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
United Kingdom
Sponsor
University College, London
Collaborators
National Institute for Health Research, United Kingdom
Enrollment target
~150 participants
Started
July 2022
Primary completion
January 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in September 2024.
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Central contact
Trial Manager
University College, London
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