Comparing FDG-PET/CT and CT for Monitoring Metastatic Breast Cancer

FDG-PET/CT Versus Conventional CT for Response Monitoring in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (MONITOR-RCT)

Not applicable Interventional Odense University Hospital · NCT06877949

This study is testing if a special type of imaging called FDG-PET/CT can find problems in metastatic breast cancer patients sooner than regular CT scans, so they can start new treatments faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment420 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOdense University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations11 sites (Aalborg and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06877949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of FDG-PET/CT compared to conventional CT for monitoring patients with metastatic breast cancer. The goal is to determine if FDG-PET/CT can detect disease progression earlier, allowing for timely initiation of second-line therapies. The study involves a randomized, parallel group design where participants will receive either FDG-PET/CT or standard CT monitoring. The findings aim to provide robust evidence on the potential survival benefits of using FDG-PET/CT in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with biopsy-verified metastatic breast cancer who are eligible for first-line systemic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with non-metastatic breast cancer or those not eligible for systemic treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates for patients with metastatic breast cancer by enabling earlier treatment interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested improved sensitivity of FDG-PET/CT over conventional imaging, but this approach is being rigorously tested in a prospective randomized setting for the first time.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women and men aged ≥18 years
2. Diagnosis of distant relapsed MBC (biopsy-verified) or de novo breast cancer. In patients with distant relapsed MBC, biopsy verification from a distant metastasis is required. In patients with de novo MBC, biopsy verification of primary tumor and diagnostic imaging with distant metastasis with a typical pattern of MBC is required.
3. Considered eligible for first-line systemic treatment
4. Considered eligible for continuous treatment monitoring by scans.
5. Signed informed consent
6. Participants must have the ability to read and understand the following languages based on their country of participation: in Denmark, patients must be able to read and understand Danish; in Italy, they must be able to read and understand Italian or English; and in Germany, they must be able to read and understand German or English.

In case of patients for whom it is necessary to start first-line systemic treatment while still waiting for the evaluation of the biopsy, it is allowed to include the patients, as long as the other criteria are fulfilled and the biopsy is made or planned. In case verification by biopsy fails, the patients will leave the trial (cf. 4c). We expect that up to 3% of the patients included will start first-line systemic treatment prior to evaluation of the biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or lactating women
2. Ongoing oncological treatment for another cancer
3. Exclusively brain metastasis
4. Allergy to FDG

Where this trial is running

Aalborg and 10 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Metastatic Breast CancerResponse MonitoringFDG-PET/CTSurvivalProgression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.