Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Early-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Surgery (NCT07593339) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Early-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Surgery
30 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
This prospective study aims to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic performance of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping using indocyanine green (ICG) in patients undergoing surgery for early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and although systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy is considered a standard component of surgical staging. Moreover, systematic lymphadenectomy is associated with increased operative time, perioperative morbidity, and long-term complications such as lymphedema, without clear evidence of therapeutic benefit.
SLN mapping has been successfully implemented in other gynecologic malignancies and may provide a less invasive alternative for lymph node assessment. In this study, patients undergoing laparotomy for adnexal masses will receive intraoperative ICG injection into the infundibulopelvic ligament on the affected side and into the cervix (at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions) following intraoperative confirmation of malignant epithelial tumor by frozen section analysis. SLN detection rates, anatomical distribution, and feasibility will be assessed. In addition, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and potential complications related to the procedure will be evaluated.
The results of this study are expected to contribute to the current evidence regarding the role of SLN mapping in early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer and may help reduce the need for systematic lymphadenectomy and its associated morbidity.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 90 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Female patients aged 18-90 years
* Patients undergoing laparotomy for unilateral or bilateral adnexal mass
* Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of malignant epithelial ovarian tumor or at least borderline epithelial tumor
* Patients with bilateral adnexal masses who have undergone preoperative gastrointestinal evaluation (endoscopy/colonoscopy) with exclusion of gastrointestinal malignancies
* Patients without radiological evidence of advanced-stage ovarian cancer on preoperative imaging (PET, MRI, or CT), including absence of pleural effusion, omental cake, peritoneal carcinomatosis, malignant ascites, liver or splenic parenchymal involvement, and mesenteric involvement
* Patients who provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with prior lymphadenectomy
* Patients with radiological or intraoperative evidence of advanced-stage ovarian cancer
* Patients planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy without primary surgery
* Pregnant patients
* Patients with known allergy to indocyanine green (ICG) or iodine
* Patients with immunodeficiency disorders
* Patients with a history of radiotherapy
* Patients with a history of vascular surgery affecting lymphatic drainage
* Patients with a history of vascular surgery affecting lymphatic drainage
* Patients with a history of non-gynecological malignancy
* Patients younger than 18 years or older than 90 years
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.