Using [18F]FET PET to find ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas
Evaluation of [18F]FET PET for the Detection of ACTH-Secreting Corticotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors
This project tests whether [18F]FET PET scans can better locate ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas in adults with Cushing's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bron) |
| Trial ID | NCT07463625 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational cohort combines retrospective and prospective data to compare [18F]FET PET imaging with standard pituitary MRI for localizing corticotroph microadenomas. Localization on PET will be compared with postoperative histopathology as the reference standard. Secondary goals include measuring how often PET changes the presumed tumor location relative to MRI and whether two readers agree on PET findings. The study aims to determine if PET can inform surgical planning and potentially reduce the need for invasive inferior petrosal sinus sampling.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with a biochemical diagnosis of Cushing's disease who have a pituitary MRI showing a suspected microadenoma (<10 mm) and are being considered for surgical management are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children, patients with pituitary macroadenomas, or those with ACTH-dependent Cushing's from an ectopic source are unlikely to benefit from this imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, [18F]FET PET could improve preoperative tumor localization and reduce reliance on invasive sampling, leading to more accurate surgery and fewer procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Amino-acid PET tracers such as 11C-methionine have shown improved localization for pituitary microadenomas in prior work, but using [18F]FET specifically for ACTH-secreting corticotroph tumors is relatively novel and less well-studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥18 years). * Biochemical diagnosis of Cushing's disease as part of initial management. * Pituitary MRI performed; if visible, microadenoma \<10 mm in diameter. * Indication for discussion in multidisciplinary tumor board for surgical management. Exclusion Criteria: * Minor (age \<18 years). * Macroadenoma of the pituitary. * ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism secondary to ectopic secretion.
Where this trial is running
Bron
- Hôpital Louis Pradel - Service de Médecine Nucléaire — Bron, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anthime FLAUS, MD
- Email: anthime.flaus@chu-lyon.fr
- Phone: +33 4 72 35 69 99
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.