Imaging endometriosis with total-body PET-CT in women with suspected disease
Official title: Novel Non-invasive Imaging of Endometriosis Using Total-body PET-CT Programme (PET-Endo)
Run by University of Edinburgh · NCT07523997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether total-body PET-CT with special tracers can help identify endometriosis in women who are likely to have the condition and are planning laparoscopy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Edinburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07523997 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women with chronic pelvic pain and a clinical/radiologic diagnosis suggesting endometriosis who are scheduled for confirmatory laparoscopy within four months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without endometriosis or with imaging patterns not reflected by disease may not benefit from the imaging approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will recruit up to 30 women with chronic pelvic pain and a clinical or radiologic suspicion of endometriosis who are planning laparoscopy. Participants will undergo two imaging sessions: total-body PET-CT with two different tracers (68Ga-FAPI and 18F-GP1) and PET/MRI for anatomical correlation, along with a baseline assessment and an online acceptability survey. Surgical findings and tissue samples will be compared with imaging results to see how well the scans reflect actual disease. This observational study aims to correlate tracer uptake with pathology and clinical information. Data will be collected on demographics, medical history, prior imaging, and patient-reported experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging approach could improve noninvasive detection and mapping of endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior imaging techniques in endometriosis have limited sensitivity; this approach with novel tracers is exploratory and not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic pelvic pain * Clinical/radiological diagnosis of likely endometriosis and due to undergo confirmatory laparoscopy in the subsequent four months Exclusion Criteria: * Inability or unwilling to give informed consent * Actively trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding * Post menopausal (no periods for \>12 months and not taking hormonal treatments to prevent periods or bilateral oophorectomy performed) * Previous hysterectomy * Confirmed or suspected pelvic malignancy * Contraindication to MRI (ferromagnetic material in the body, metallic device implantation or claustrophobia) * Contraindication to buscopan (e.g. glaucoma, unstable cardiac disease, arrythmias, myasthenia, previous hypersensitivity to buscopan) * Taking part in a CTIMP or interventional non-CTIMP study * Previous severe pelvic inflammatory disease * Previous peritonitis
Where it's running
-
Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lucy HR Whitaker, MD — University of Edinburgh
- Study coordinator: Lucy HR Whitaker, MD
- Email: ETMT@ed.ac.uk
- Phone: 01316518321
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Comparing different techniques to treat endometriosis
This study is testing different methods to treat endometriosis, like laser and heat techniques, to see which one works best for relieving pain in women who are already having surgery for the condition.
-
Postoperative Pain Trajectories After Endometriosis Surgery
This study tests how pain changes after endometriosis surgery and whether perioperative pain testing can predict who will have ongoing pain.
-
Imaging endometriosis with a special PET tracer in adult women
This study tests whether a PET/CT scan using [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 can help detect endometriosis lesions in women who are planning laparoscopy.
-
Fiber supplement for digestive symptoms in endometriosis
A fiber-based supplement is being tested to see if it is safe and helps with gut and vaginal microbiomes and digestive symptoms in women with endometriosis.
-
Stellate ganglion block and dexmedetomidine for better sleep after gynecologic laparoscopy
The study tests whether giving a preoperative stellate ganglion block plus intraoperative dexmedetomidine improves sleep after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery in women.
-
Atypical Endometriosis: Histology, Immunophenotype and Molecular Features
Researchers will look at how endometriotic tissue that looks atypical under the microscope relates to clinical features and ultrasound findings to better separate benign from potentially atypical lesions.
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.