Research Programs
TumorGlow
Learn more about transformative Surgical Care for Sarcoma Patients
TumorGlow® combines two revolutionary innovations:
- A Fluorescent Contrast Agent: Injected into the patient, this agent selectively accumulates in tumor tissues, allowing them to glow under near-infrared light.
- Advanced Imaging Systems: These systems detect glowing tumors, highlighting precise tumor margins, lymph nodes with cancer, and satellite metastases.
Research led by Dr. Sunil Singhal at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has shown that TumorGlow® enables surgeons to detect previously hidden tumor deposits, improve surgical accuracy, and increase the likelihood of achieving negative margins, all of which are critical for better outcomes.
The CHOP Pediatric Trial
The CHOP pilot study will enroll 20 pediatric patients (under 18 years old) over five years. Participants will receive an infusion of TumorGlow® (indocyanine green) the day before surgery. During their procedure, the glowing tumors will guide surgeons in locating tumor nodules, achieving clean margins, and identifying unexpected lesions.
The trial aims to:
1. Prove that TumorGlow® is safe and effective for children.
2. Demonstrate that this technology enhances surgical precision, improving long-term outcomes for pediatric sarcoma patients.
3. Enhance the usage of TumorGlow® for all sarcoma patients.
This trial complements a five-year, Phase 3 randomized clinical trial for adults at HUP.
Designed with FDA input, the adult study aims to definitively prove TumorGlow’s ability to improve surgical outcomes.
Together, these two complementary studies will generate critical data on TumorGlow’s efficacy across age groups and help make this innovative technology a standard tool for sarcoma surgeries.