Comparing two imaging techniques for metastatic cancer detection

Comparison of Whole Body DWI to FDG PET Using PET/MRI

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT06630845

This study is testing two different imaging methods to see which one better detects metastatic cancer in patients who already have it.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT06630845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of whole body diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) against 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography combined with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) in patients with known metastatic cancer. Participants will undergo imaging with both techniques within a 60-day window, allowing for a direct comparison of their ability to detect disease. The study also aims to assess the variability in interpretation of DWI results among different readers. Follow-up will be conducted through medical records review for up to two years to gather additional data on outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer scheduled for a non-FDG PET imaging study.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to undergo MRI due to contraindications or those unlikely to comply with study protocols may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of metastatic cancer detection, leading to better patient management.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies comparing imaging techniques, this specific approach of correlating DWI with FDG PET/MRI in metastatic cancer is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years.
2. Non FDG PET imaging study scheduled to be performed within 60 days (before or after) of the research PET/MRI.
3. Ability to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it.
4. Diagnosis of metastatic cancer.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unlikely to comply with protocol procedures, restrictions and requirements and judged by the Investigator to be unsuitable for participation.
2. Individuals with contraindications to MRI. This will be determined through review of the UCSF MRI screening form by qualified site personnel

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Metastatic Cancer, Imaging Study

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.