NCT07018505

EpCAM-Targeted Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Nanotags for Rapid Evaluation of Surgical Margins and Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis Status in Breast Cancers

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Yunnan Cancer Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

For early breast cancer patients, breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy have emerged as the cornerstone of precision oncology, harmonizing oncologic efficacy with the preservation of breast cosmetics and axillary function. However, conventional margin evaluation relies on subjective experience, leading to positive margin rates of 15%-50% Additionally, sentinel lymph node biopsy faces inherent technical limitations, including prolonged procedural time and significant false-negative rates in detecting micro-metastases. To overcome these challenges, the investigators will introduce a stable "sandwich" EpCAM-targeted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection system to provide rapid evaluation of surgical margins and sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis status. In brief, a portion of resected tissue will be immediately homogenized by grinding, and the tissue homogenate will then be analyzed using this detection system to determine its histological characteristics. Pathological confirmation will further validate the method. This approach aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of intraoperative assessment of breast-conserving surgical margins and SLN status, thereby effectively reducing local recurrence rates and complications.

Conditions

• Sentinel Lymph Node
• Breast Cancers
• Metastases
• Margin Assessment

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	SERS detection	Incubation: A mixture of 20 μL (0.5 mg/mL) magnetic beads (MB@RB20115UD), 40 μL SERS nanotags (Au-IR808@RB20115UC), and prepared sample is incubated for 5 min. Washing: The supernatant is removed after magnetic separation (30 s), followed by washing with PBST (pH 7.4, 0.05% Tween-20). Detection: The separated pellet is resuspended in 10 μL ultrapure water. Then 2 μL solution is spotted onto a 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm gold substrate for air-drying. Raman spectra are acquired using a portable spectrometer (785 nm laser, 500 mW power, 5 s acquisition time, triplicate measurements). Peak areas within 540-570 cm-1 are quantified.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-15
• Primary completion: 2026-06-15
• Completion: 2026-07-01
• First posted: 2025-06-12
• Last updated: 2025-06-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China