OnCo
drugsProductNot mapped hereapproved

Technetium-99m tilmanocept

The purpose-built tracer for sentinel lymph node mapping in breast cancer, melanoma and oral cancer, replacing off-label sulfur colloid.

Approved March 2013 (breast, melanoma), 2014 (head and neck SCC; sentinel node mapping in oral cavity cancer with 97.8% sensitivity), paediatric extension 2017. Stays in the sentinel node rather than passing through, simplifying surgery.

Schematic of the modality · Radiopharmaceutical lymphatic mapping agent · not a molecule; see the Sentinel lymph node biopsy page
Modality
Radiopharmaceutical lymphatic mapping agent
Mechanism
Mannosylated dextran that binds CD206 (mannose receptor) on macrophages in sentinel nodes, giving rapid uptake and low pass-through to second-echelon nodes.
Brand / code
Lymphoseek
Medicare
Part B (clinician-administered)

Radiopharmaceutical for sentinel lymph node mapping, billed with the nuclear medicine procedure under Part B; when used in the operating room it is bundled into the surgical payment.

Commercial insurance
covered on label

Covered as part of the sentinel node procedure for breast cancer, melanoma and oral cancer; no separate authorisation.

Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B) · Medicare.gov: Diagnostic non-laboratory tests (imaging). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.

Not appraisedSearch NICE
Notes
EU-licensed sentinel node tracer; NHS sentinel node biopsy mostly uses Tc-99m nanocolloid. No TA.
NHS England
Not routinely funded

Sources: NICE search: technetium-99m tilmanocept. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.

Regulatory

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Approvals

RegionYearIndication
US2013Lymphatic mapping with a handheld gamma counter in breast cancer and melanoma
US2014Sentinel lymph node localisation in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
EU2014Sentinel node imaging in breast cancer, melanoma, oral SCC

Trials

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ClinicalTrials.gov · phase 2/3
refreshed 2026-09-09
15 studies2 recruiting11 Phase 24 Phase 3
Search “Technetium-99m tilmanocept” on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Counts are from a name search and may include unrelated studies; up to 100 studies are summarised.

Recruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)

Recruiting trials near you · live from ClinicalTrials.gov
Technetium-99m tilmanocept
intervention: Technetium-99m tilmanocept
Open on ClinicalTrials.gov →

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Latest papers

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Latest papers · live from Europe PMC
Open in Europe PMC

Query for this drug: (TITLE:"Technetium-99m tilmanocept" OR ABSTRACT:"Technetium-99m tilmanocept" OR TITLE:"Lymphoseek" OR ABSTRACT:"Lymphoseek") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Technetium-99m tilmanocept, not a curated reading list.

Connected

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