A study looking at using a hyperspectral camera during surgery to remove a brain tumour (NeuroPPEye)
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is looking at taking images of the brain using a hyperspectral camera during brain tumour surgery.
It is open to people who have a type of brain tumour called a glioma. And who are being treated at the King's College NHS Foundation Trust in London.
More about this trial
Surgery is one of the main treatments for a brain tumour. For some types of brain tumours including glioma surgeons use a dye to better see the tumour cells.
This dye is called 5-ALA. It is also called Gliolan. It is a liquid you drink between 2 and 4 hours before your surgery. The brain cells take up the dye.
During surgery the surgeon shines a fluorescent light on to the brain and uses a microscope to look at the cells. Under the light healthy brain cells shine blue and tumour cells shine pink or red. This helps the surgeon to take out the tumour cells including ones that would be more difficult to identify without the dye.
Research suggests that a hyperspectral camera might be useful during brain tumour surgery. This camera takes images in a wide range of light. This could help the surgeon better identify what is healthy tissue and what is tumour tissue.
In this study you have surgery as planned. The camera is mounted on the microscope the surgeon uses during surgery. The camera takes images of the brain during surgery.
The team will compare the images taken by the camera with the tissue the surgeon removed.
The aims of the study are to:
- match the images taken by the camera with the tissue removed
- show that it is safe to use the camera during surgery
- find out how accurate the images are
Who can enter
The following bullet points are a summary of the entry conditions for this study. Talk to your doctor or the study team if you are unsure about any of these. They will be able to advise you.
Who can take part
You may be able to join this study if all of the following apply. You:
- have a brain tumour that might be a glioma
- are able to give written
informed consent 
- are at least 18 years old
- are planned to have surgery using gliolan
Who can’t take part
You cannot join this study if have had previous surgery to the brain.
Trial design
This is an observation study. There are 2 stages to this study.
Stage 1
In this stage the team need 20 people to take part. You have the 5-ALA 2 to 4 hours before surgery. You have your surgery as planned. Your surgeon will take out the tumour tissue. This is sent to the laboratory for diagnosis.
The study team will use the tumour tissue that is left over when the diagnosis is made. They will use this tissue to test the hyperspectral camera and to find the best way to use the camera.
During your surgery the surgeon might need to remove a small piece of normal tissue to get to the tumour tissue. If this is the case the team will also use the normal tissue to test the camera.
Stage 2
In this stage the team need 40 people to take part. You have the 5-ALA 2 to 4 hours before surgery. You have your surgery as planned. During your surgery the team will use the camera to take images of the removal of the tumour tissue.
The team will use the tumour tissue that they planned to remove for research analysis. No extra tissue is taken.
Using the camera will add about 15 minutes to the time surgery takes but will not change it in any other way.
Hospital visits
You see the doctor for tests before you take part. These include:
- a
physical examination - a scan such as an MRI scan, a CT scan or a brain angiogram
You have surgery as planned. After surgery you see the doctor for a physical examination and the same scan you had before.
Your doctor will then tell you how often they want to see you. No additional visits will be required to take part in the study.
Side effects
The team do not expect there to be any side effects from taking part in the study.
All surgery can have possible problems. We have information about surgery to remove a brain tumour and the possible problems.
5-ALA can cause some side effects. The side effects are:
- low blood pressure
- sensitivity to bright light for both your eyes and skin
- feeling sick
Your nurses check your blood pressure regularly before and after your operation. Because of having had the 5-ALA they ask you to avoid sunlight and bright light for about 24 hours after surgery.
Your doctor will talk to you about the surgery and any possible problems before you agree to have treatment. They will also answer any questions you have.
We have more information about:
Location
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Mr Jonathan Shapey
Supported by
King's College London
Wellcome Trust
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
