18F-DOPA PET/CT to guide care for adults with brain tumors
Official title: A Centralized Protocol Evaluating the Safety and Clinical Impact of Amino Acid Pet for Brain Tumors
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT06667726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test tries whether adding 18F-DOPA PET/CT scans to standard imaging helps doctors manage care for adults with malignant brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 47 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 24, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06667726 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18 and older) with a diagnosed brain tumor who have an indication for amino-acid PET (presurgical evaluation, radiation planning, indeterminate MRI for progression vs treatment effect, or enhanced monitoring) and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant or nursing, unable to undergo PET imaging, or whose treatment plan is already clearly defined by standard imaging may not receive benefit from this procedure.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase II trial adds an amino-acid PET tracer (18F-DOPA) to standard imaging to see if PET/CT changes clinical management in over half of adult brain tumor patients. Eligible adults receive an IV injection of 18F-DOPA followed by a 30-minute PET/CT scan, and treating clinicians review the PET/CT alongside routine MRI/CT. The primary goal is to measure how often the PET/CT changes management decisions; secondary goals include safety/tolerability and identification of tumor outside standard MRI. Patients are observed for three days after the scan for adverse events and to document any immediate changes in care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help doctors make more accurate treatment and surgical decisions by revealing tumor activity that standard MRI might miss.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies of amino-acid PET tracers such as 18F-DOPA and FET have shown promise in better delineating tumor and distinguishing recurrence from treatment effect, but larger FDA-focused management-impact and safety data remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 and older * Diagnosis of a brain tumor * Indication for amino acid PET imaging, including presurgical evaluation, radiation planning, MR imaging indeterminate for progression versus treatment effect, or clinical need for enhanced monitoring * Ability to give appropriate consent or have an appropriate representative available to do so Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is unable to undergo PET imaging * Persons who are pregnant or nursing
Where it's running
-
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Derek R. Johnson, MD — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Referral Office
- Email: mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu
- Phone: 855-776-0015
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Advanced MRI to distinguish recurrent brain tumor from radiation necrosis
This trial tests whether advanced MRI scans (DR-CSI and sodium imaging) can tell if people with metastatic brain tumors have tumor recurrence or treatment-related radiation necrosis.
-
Early advance care planning education for young adults with advanced solid tumors or high-grade brain tumors
This project will test whether short educational tools help adolescents and young adults (diagnosed at 18–39) with advanced solid tumors or high-grade brain tumors start advance care planning earlier.
-
Breathing practice to improve brain and mental health in cancer and MS patients
This study tests whether breathing exercises through a mobile app can help improve brain and mental health for people with cancer and multiple sclerosis, along with their caregivers.
-
Imaging brain tumors using a targeted radioimmunoconjugate and PET scans
This study is testing a new imaging method using a special drug to see if it can help identify immune cells in patients with brain tumors before they have surgery.
-
Dexamethasone dosing after brain tumor surgery
This study is testing if a lower dose of dexamethasone after brain tumor surgery can help reduce side effects for patients compared to the usual dose.
-
Using CAR T cells after chemotherapy to treat recurrent brain tumors in children
This study is testing a new treatment for children with recurring brain tumors by combining chemotherapy with special immune cells to see if it helps them live longer and feel better.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.