Multimodal PET Imaging to Help Plan Epilepsy Surgery
Official title: Multimodal PET Imaging With 18F-FDG/SV2A/TSPO for Resection Planning in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Run by First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University · NCT07147309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests three PET scans (18F-FDG, SV2A, and TSPO) in people with drug-resistant focal epilepsy to help plan resection or SEEG and see if the scans improve localization of seizure-causing brain areas.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fuzhou, Fujian) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07147309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who have had epilepsy MRI and video-EEG, and are planned for resection or SEEG, and consent to all three PET scans.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose epilepsy tissue is already well localized or who cannot undergo all three PET scans may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In people with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, researchers will perform three PET scans before planned surgery or SEEG to see if combining metabolic, synaptic, and inflammatory signals can better localize epileptogenic tissue. The approach uses 18F-FDG to map metabolism, SV2A PET to image synaptic density, and TSPO PET to detect neuroinflammation. The study is observational and focuses on how these imaging results influence surgical planning and subsequent outcomes. Eligible participants must have completed MRI and video-EEG, plan for surgery or SEEG, and consent to all three scans with at least 12 months of postoperative follow-up data. Results from this work may inform whether multimodal PET can enhance preoperative decision-making in epilepsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve accuracy in localizing epileptogenic tissue and potentially lead to better surgical outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests SV2A and TSPO PET can complement 18F-FDG in localizing epileptogenic zones, but results are still evolving in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * with drug-resistant focal epilepsy defined by ILAE criteria * Already performed 3.0 T epilepsy-protocol MRI and video-EEG * Planned resective surgery or stereotactic EEG (SEEG) electrode implantation, and willingness to undergo all three PET scans: ¹⁸F-FDG, SV2A, and TSPO. * Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent. * Availability of complete postoperative follow-up data with at least 12-month Engel outcome classification. Exclusion Criteria: -History of head trauma ,claustrophobia, rheumatic or autoimmune diseases, psychiatric disorders, severe somatic diseases (neurological,cardiovascular, etc.),previous heart or brain surgery, substance abuse, inability to refrain from hypnotics, magnetic implants, pregnancy, lactation
Where it's running
-
The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University
Fuzhou, Fujian, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhang Ying Zhang Ying, MD
- Email: zy201@126.com
- Phone: +86-15005018972
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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.