Bevonescein to Highlight Nerves in Patients Undergoing Head & Neck Surgery

This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Bevonescein (ALM-488) administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion to patients undergoing head & neck surgery. The study will also characterize the pharmacokinetics of Bevonescein (ALM-488) in this subject population and determine the dose of Bevonescein (ALM-488) needed to generate a fluorescence signal in nerve tissue to enable fluorescence recordings and image analysis with an imaging system. The study will also evaluate the effect of timing of Bevonescein (ALM-488) administration, relative to surgery, on fluorescence characteristics.

Inclusion criteria

• A neoplasm located in the head and neck.
• Primary surgical treatment is by parotidectomy, or thyroidectomy, or cervical neck dissection.
• Can understand and is willing to sign a written informed consent document.
• ≥18 years of age.
• Life expectancy of at least 6 months.
• Normal liver and kidney functions.
• If of childbearing potential, must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test and be using a medically acceptable form of contraception (e.g., hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices, double-barrier method) or abstinence. The subject, if male, must use a medically acceptable form of contraception (e.g. condom) or abstinence.
• Plans to undergo head and neck surgery.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior radiation or chemotherapy for any prior head and neck neoplasm.
• Open surgery in the ipsilateral head and neck within 1 year.
• Abnormal cardiac rhythm not controlled with medication, history of stroke, coronary events and/or heart failure within 1 year.
• Current evidence of renal disease.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Unresolved acute toxicity from prior anti-cancer therapy.
• History of fluorescein allergy.
• Any other criteria deemed by the Principal Investigator that may prevent the patient from successfully completing the trial.