fluorescein + lidocaine

Fluorescein + lidocaine is a diagnostic combination drug being developed by Vestan Medical Imaging in collaboration with the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in patients with stage I and II melanoma. The formulation consists of a 1:1 mixture of 10% fluorescein (Fluorescite) and 1% lidocaine hydrochloride, administered via intradermal injection around the primary tumor site. Fluorescein serves as a fluorescent tracer that migrates through the lymphatic system to the sentinel lymph nodes, where it exhibits intense greenish-yellow fluorescence when illuminated with blue light. This enables transdermal visualization and precise surgical localization of the nodes prior to incision, potentially improving the accuracy of melanoma staging compared to traditional radioactive tracers. Lidocaine is included in the formulation to provide local anesthesia and minimize the discomfort associated with the intradermal injection.

Brand names

Fluorescite

Other names

fluorescein-University of Utah-melanoma10% fluorescein mixed 1:1 with 1% lidocaine hydrochloride