PET scan using [18F]4FN to detect immune activation that causes immunotherapy side effects
[18F]4FN PET Imaging of Innate Immunity Activation During Immunotherapy-Induced Adverse Events
This project uses a new PET tracer to find early immune-related inflammation in people getting cancer immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158697 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are receiving immunotherapy, researchers will use a new PET tracer called [18F]4FN to image whole-body inflammation linked to innate immune cells. The tracer lights up high-energy oxygen and nitrogen radicals produced by enzymes like NOX2 and MPO, which are involved in immune-related adverse events. Participants would have PET/CT scans timed around their treatment to look for early or spreading inflammatory foci across organs. The team aims to map and monitor innate immune activation that could signal or predict harmful side effects from immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or CAR T-cell therapy for cancer who are being monitored for possible immune-related adverse events would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People not receiving cancer immunotherapy, or those with health issues unrelated to immune-driven inflammation, are unlikely to benefit from this imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors spot and track immune-related side effects earlier so they can treat them before they become severe.
How similar studies have performed: Standard PET tracers like FDG can show inflammation, but this redox-targeted tracer is new and early data are promising though not yet validated in large patient trials.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piwnica-Worms, David — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Piwnica-Worms, David
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.