Using a special PET scan to detect invasive fungal infections

Siderophore-labelled Positron Emission Tomography for Correlating Invasive Fungal InfeCtions

Observational Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia · NCT06105411

This study is testing a special PET scan with a new tracer to see if it can help find invasive fungal infections in people who have recently been diagnosed.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Melbourne, Victoria)
Trial IDNCT06105411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational pilot trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a gallium-siderophore tracer in identifying areas of invasive Aspergillus infection in patients. It will involve 10 participants who have been diagnosed with invasive fungal infections within the last two weeks. The study will assess the localized uptake of the tracer using a 68Ga-labelled TAFC PET/CT scan, while also monitoring the safety and tolerability of this imaging technique. The trial is conducted at a single center over a period of 12-24 months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 years or older who have been diagnosed with invasive fungal infections within two weeks.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or have received iron infusion within one week prior to the scan may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy for invasive fungal infections, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, it is still in the proof of concept phase and has not been widely tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient has provided written informed consent
2. Aged 18 years or older at written informed consent
3. Within 2 weeks of proven or probable or possible invasive fungal infection (IFI) diagnosis as per EORTC criteria
4. Imaging consistent with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis on CT or FDG-PET/CT with lesions at least 8mm in diameter
5. Patient is willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study including scheduled visits such as follow up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women who are pregnant or lactating.
2. Iron infusion within one week prior to scan

Where this trial is running

Melbourne, Victoria

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 Invasive Fungal InfectionsSiderophorePETSiderophore-labelled Position Emission tomography68Ga-labelled TAFC PET/CT scanAspergillus spp.
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.