Photoacoustic Imaging for Lymph Node Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new method to determine if lymph nodes in the groin area are cancerous. It uses photoacoustic imaging, which combines light and sound to reveal details about the lymph nodes, such as size and shape. This method may help doctors stage cancer more accurately and avoid unnecessary surgeries. Suitable participants have a known type of cancer, suspicious groin lymph nodes on regular scans, and are scheduled for a needle test or biopsy. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how this new imaging method works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to benefit from this innovative technology.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this imaging method is safe for detecting lymph node cancer?
Research shows that multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) offers a promising way to create images of the body. In studies with oral cancer patients, MSOT accurately identified lymph nodes free of cancer, without mistakes, reliably indicating non-cancerous nodes. Importantly, these studies found no major side effects or safety problems, suggesting MSOT is safe to use.
Ultrasound, a common and safe imaging tool, already checks lymph nodes and often works alongside methods like MSOT to provide a clearer picture. Research indicates that ultrasound is generally safe and does not cause harm.
Overall, current research suggests both MSOT and ultrasound are safe for people. This trial uses these methods to further explore their potential in detecting cancer. However, as an early phase trial, it primarily aims to check safety and gather initial information.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about photoacoustic imaging for lymph node cancer because it combines ultrasound technology with light waves to create detailed images of tissues. Unlike traditional ultrasound, which only uses sound waves, this method can provide more precise information about the blood vessels and oxygen levels in lymph nodes, potentially leading to better diagnosis. This technique is non-invasive and might reduce the need for more invasive procedures like biopsies, making the diagnostic process quicker and less uncomfortable for patients.
What evidence suggests that ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging is effective for detecting cancerous lymph nodes?
Studies have shown that photoacoustic imaging, one of the methods tested in this trial, is a powerful tool for detecting changes in lymph nodes, crucial for diagnosing cancer. This imaging method not only captures clear pictures but also provides information about oxygen levels in cells, aiding in distinguishing between healthy and cancerous tissues. In one study, photoacoustic imaging successfully identified strong signals in cancerous lymph nodes. Another study demonstrated its usefulness in mapping lymph nodes before surgery in patients with melanoma and breast cancer. Meanwhile, ultrasound, another method used in this trial, is already known for its accuracy in predicting whether lymph nodes are cancerous, especially when combined with artificial intelligence. Together, these methods offer promising ways to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Priya R. Bhosale
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for cancer patients with suspicious groin lymph nodes identified by standard imaging and scheduled for needle aspiration or biopsy. It's not suitable for melanoma patients or those with deep (3-5 cm) or small (<1 cm) lymph nodes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Imaging and Biopsy
Patients undergo standard of care ultrasound of the lymph nodes, then undergo ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging over 3-5 minutes, followed by standard of care ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy of a suspicious lymph node
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after imaging and biopsy
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Fine-Needle Aspiration
- Lymph Node Biopsy
- Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) acuity instrument
- Photoacoustic Imaging
- Ultrasound
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator