Using 18F-sodium fluoride PET as a safer alternative to bone scintigraphy

Open-label Clinical Trial on the Safety and Efficacy of 18F-sodium Fluoride (NaF) PET Imaging in Patients in Need of a Standard 99mTc Bone Scintigraphy

Phase 3 Interventional Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke · NCT04842071

This study is testing if a new type of PET scan using 18F-sodium fluoride is a safer and better option than traditional bone scans for kids who need imaging for cancer or infections.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorCentre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Sherbrooke, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04842071 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET imaging as a replacement for traditional bone scintigraphy, particularly in light of recent isotope shortages. It aims to assess the safety profile of 18F-NaF injections and compile a patient registry for further analysis of its diagnostic performance across various bone and articular diseases. The study includes pediatric patients who require bone scintigraphy for oncological or infectious reasons, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients indicated for 99mTc-biphosphonate bone scintigraphy, including pediatric patients with oncologic or infectious conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are healthy, pregnant, or unable to maintain a supine position for the required duration will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable and safer imaging alternative for patients requiring bone scans, especially during isotope shortages.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored the use of 18F-NaF, but this specific approach to replace bone scintigraphy during isotope shortages is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients for whom a 99mTc-biphosphonate bone scintigraphy is indicated;
* Pediatric patients for whom a 99mTc-biphosphonate bone scintigraphy is indicated for oncologic or infectious reasons
* Able to tolerate supine position
* Written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Healthy subjects
* Pregnancy
* Unable of maintaining supine position for more than 15 minutes
* Refusal to sign the consent form
* Known allergy or hypersensitivity to 18F-NaF or any of its constituants.

Where this trial is running

Sherbrooke, Quebec and 1 other locations

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 Bone CancerArticular DiseaseInfectious Disease18F-NaFBone scintigraphybone diseases
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.