Using 18F-FES PET/CT imaging for breast cancer patients with brain metastases

Brain [18F]-FES PET/CT in the Diagnosis, Treatment Planning and Response Assessment of Brain Metastases in Patients With Estrogen-Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Phase 4 Interventional Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06072807

This study is testing a special type of imaging to see if it can help doctors better understand brain tumors in breast cancer patients and improve their treatment plans.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06072807 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to optimize the use of 18F-FES PET/CT imaging in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who have brain metastases. Participants will undergo standard MRI and FDG PET/CT scans for radiation treatment planning, along with an additional 18F-FES PET/CT scan to evaluate its effectiveness in differentiating brain metastases from radiation effects. The study will follow patients for 12 months, assessing clinical outcomes and survival metrics in relation to the imaging results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with biopsy-proven estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and new or recurrent brain metastases who are scheduled for radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, unable to undergo standard care, or have allergies to FES may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of radiation treatment planning for breast cancer patients with brain metastases.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of 18F-FES PET/CT is clinically approved, its application in this specific context is novel and has not been widely tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Active diagnosis of ER+ breast cancer (biopsy proven) and new or recurrent brain metastases (biopsy proven or suspected based on MRI appearance)
2. Ability to provide informed consent
3. Discontinuation of ER modulators for at least 8 weeks, and discontinuation of ER down regulators for at least 28 weeks (as per manufacturer guidelines)
4. Age \>=18 years
5. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0-1
6. Life expectancy \>=6 months
7. Planned for radiation treatment for brain metastases

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Unable to undergo Standard of Care
3. Allergy to FES.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Breast CancerBrain Metastases
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.