Indocyanine green is a dye that is injected into the bloodstream and makes certain tissues glow under special light during surgery. In this trial, doctors will use this dye to help them see the edges of tumors more clearly during an operation. The glowing effect helps surgeons tell the difference between cancer tissue and healthy tissue, which may help them remove the tumor more completely.

Head and Neck Cancer – Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region, including the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, and salivary glands. These cancers typically begin in the cells that line the moist surfaces inside these areas. The disease often starts as abnormal cell growth that can form tumors in the affected tissues. As the cancer progresses, it may grow larger and invade nearby structures such as muscles, bones, and nerves. In more advanced stages, cancer cells can spread to lymph nodes in the neck or to other parts of the body.

Gastrointestinal Cancer – Gastrointestinal cancer encompasses cancers that occur anywhere along the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. The disease begins when normal cells in the digestive system undergo changes and start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Early stages may involve small growths or polyps that can develop into cancer over time. As the disease advances, the tumor can grow through the layers of the digestive tract wall. The cancer may also spread to nearby lymph nodes and eventually to distant organs if it continues to progress.

Hepatobiliary Cancer – Hepatobiliary cancer refers to cancers affecting the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, which are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestines. These cancers develop when cells in these organs begin to multiply abnormally and form malignant tumors. The disease can originate directly in the liver or bile ducts, or less commonly in the gallbladder. As hepatobiliary cancer progresses, it can grow within the affected organ and block bile flow, particularly in bile duct cancers. Advanced disease may spread to nearby blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other abdominal organs.

Breast Cancer – Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast tissue grow abnormally and form a tumor that can be felt as a lump or seen on imaging tests. The cancer most commonly begins in the milk ducts or the glands that produce milk. Initially, the abnormal cells may remain confined to the ducts or glands, but over time they can break through and invade surrounding breast tissue. As the disease progresses, cancer cells may travel through the lymphatic system to nearby lymph nodes, particularly those under the arm. In more advanced stages, the cancer can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body such as bones, lungs, or liver.

Genitourinary Cancer – Genitourinary cancer includes cancers that develop in the urinary system and reproductive organs, such as the kidneys, bladder, prostate, testicles, ovaries, and uterus. These cancers begin when normal cells in these organs undergo genetic changes and start to divide uncontrollably. The disease typically starts in the lining or tissue of the affected organ and forms a tumor. As genitourinary cancers grow, they can invade deeper layers of the organ wall and extend into surrounding tissues. The progression may involve spread to nearby lymph nodes and, in advanced cases, to distant organs through the bloodstream.

Sarcoma – Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues of the body, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of joints. Unlike more common cancers that start in organs, sarcomas arise from the cells that support and connect other body tissues. The disease begins when these connective tissue cells start to grow abnormally and form a mass or tumor. Sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the arms, legs, and abdomen. As the tumor grows, it can push against and invade nearby structures, and may eventually spread to other parts of the body, most often the lungs.