The injected imaging drug Lymphoseek (technetium Tc 99m tilmanocept) has been approved by the FDA to help surgeons locate the lymph nodes in people with breast cancer or melanoma.

The lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid that flows throughout the body. This fluid may contain cancer cells if it has passed through diseased tissue. By surgically examining the lymph nodes, doctors may be able to conclude if cancer has spread.

Lymphoseek is an imaging drug that helps locate the lymph nodes. It's the first lymph-node mapping drug to be approved by the FDA in 30 years.

The drug's safety and effectiveness were established in clinical trials involving 332 people with melanoma or breast cancer. The most common adverse reactions reported were pain and/or irritation at the injection site.

Lymphoseek is marketed by Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, based in Dublin, Ohio.