Comparing imaging techniques for diagnosing tumors in children and young adults

Pediatric PET/MR Image Registry

Observational Stanford University · NCT03458520

This study is testing which imaging method works best for diagnosing tumors in children and young adults by comparing MR imaging, PET/MR imaging, and PET/CT imaging.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT03458520 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of whole body magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, whole body positron emission tomography (PET)/MR imaging, and PET/Computed Tomography (CT) imaging in diagnosing tumors in pediatric and young adult patients. The study will assess the sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic accuracies of these imaging modalities to identify significant differences in their performance. Participants will include those with confirmed solid tumors or suspected solid tumors, and the study will collect data for analysis in an image registry.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children and young adults with proven solid tumors or newly diagnosed masses suspected to be solid tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI or PET/MR, such as those with cardiac pacemakers or CNS primary tumors, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance diagnostic accuracy for tumors in children and young adults, leading to better treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in comparing imaging modalities for tumor diagnosis, but this specific approach may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with proven solid tumors or newly diagnosed mass strongly suspected to represent a solid tumor.
* We might also include some patients with leukemia if there is concern for a focal lesion in any of their organs.
* Participant's parents (if participant is under 18) or the participant (if participant is 18 years or older) must willingly give written informed consent prior to any image transfer to the image registry.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient has contraindications for MRI or PET/MR. This includes patients with cardiac pacemakers or intracranial vascular clips as well as patients with a blood glucose level \> 200 mg/dl.
* Lack of parental permission (if participant is younger than 18) or lack of informed consent (if participant is at least 18 years of age).
* Patient has a CNS primary tumor.
* Pregnant women and fetuses

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

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 Soft TissueLymphomaOsteosarcoma
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.