More specific PET imaging for head and neck cancer
Secondary Molecular Imaging (SMI) for head and neck cancer
Using a labeled anti-EGFR antibody PET/CT scan to better tell cancer from harmless spots in people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll get a PET/CT scan that uses a radiolabeled anti-EGFR antibody called 89Zr-panitumumab to image areas that look unclear on standard 18F-FDG PET/CT. The team will use this scan in people with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have indeterminate findings on their routine PET/CT or in patients who have an enlarged neck lymph node but no obvious primary tumor. The scans will be compared to biopsy or follow-up results to see whether the antibody PET/CT more specifically identifies cancer and can find hidden primary tumors. The goal is to avoid extra invasive tests, lower uncertainty, and speed up the right care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have indeterminate findings on an 18F-FDG PET/CT or those with an enlarged neck node and no identified primary tumor are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without head and neck cancer, those unable to undergo PET imaging, or tumors that do not express EGFR are unlikely to benefit from this imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could reduce unnecessary biopsies and scans, lower patient anxiety, and help find hidden primary tumors so treatment can start sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody-based PET imaging has shown promise in early studies, but using 89Zr-panitumumab specifically to resolve indeterminate head and neck PET/CT findings is a relatively new application.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Eben L. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Eben L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.