Using a special imaging technique to evaluate breast cancer
Official title: Pilot Study Evaluating the Uptake of [18F] F-GLN by PET/CT in Breast Cancer
Run by Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · NCT03863457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technique to see how well it works for people with breast cancer and to better understand different types of the disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 5, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03863457 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with known or suspected primary or metastatic breast cancer and at least one measurable lesion.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to tolerate imaging procedures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study involves patients with known or suspected breast cancer who have at least one lesion measuring 1.5 cm or larger. Participants will undergo PET/CT imaging with a novel tracer, [18F]F-GLN, to assess its uptake and image quality. The study aims to stratify patients based on breast cancer subtypes, specifically focusing on estrogen-receptor-expressing and triple-negative breast cancers. The results will not directly influence treatment decisions but will provide valuable data on the imaging technique's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of breast cancer metabolism and improve imaging techniques for better diagnosis and monitoring.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other cancer types, indicating potential for success in this context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be ≥ 18 years of age * Known or suspected primary or metastatic breast cancer. * At least one lesion ≥ 1.0 cm that is seen on standard imaging (e.g. CT, MRI, mammogram, ultrasound, FDG-PET/CT). Only one type of imaging is required to show a lesion. * Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and be willing to provide written informed consent and participate in this study in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines prior to study-specific procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Females who are pregnant or breast feeding at the time of screening; a urine pregnancy test will be performed in women of child-bearing potential at screening. * Inability to tolerate imaging procedures in the opinion of an investigator or treating physician. * Any current medical condition, illness, or disorder, as assessed by medical record review and/or self-reported, that is considered by a physician investigator to be a condition that could compromise participant safety or successful participation in the study.
Where it's running
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Austin Pantel, MD — Instructor of Radiology
- Study coordinator: Erin Schubert
- Email: erin.schubert@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-573-6569
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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.