Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Using [18F]FET PET to find ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas

Official title: Evaluation of [18F]FET PET for the Detection of ACTH-Secreting Corticotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors

Run by Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT07463625 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project tests whether [18F]FET PET scans can better locate ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas in adults with Cushing's disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bron)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 23, 2023
Main results expectedNovember 23, 2027
Study endsNovember 23, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT07463625 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Hôpital Louis Pradel - Service de Médecine Nucléaire
    Bron, France
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.