Using PET-CT imaging to assess relapsed/refractory acute leukemias before CAR T-cell therapy

Pilot Prospective Study for PET-CT Imaging in Participants With Relapsed/Refractory Acute Leukemias

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05969002

This study is testing if a special type of imaging can help find hidden cancer in kids and young adults with relapsed B-cell leukemia before they receive CAR T-cell therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Drugs / interventionsCAR T, chimeric antigen receptor
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05969002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of 18-fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging in detecting non-central nervous system extramedullary disease (EMD) in adults and children with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are being considered for CAR T-cell therapy. The study will track the number of participants who proceed to CAR T-cell therapy and assess the impact of pre-therapy imaging on treatment outcomes. Participants will include those aged 5-39 years with specific clinical indications for PET-CT imaging prior to CAR infusion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 5-39 years with relapsed/refractory B-cell ALL who are being screened for CAR T-cell therapy.

Not a fit: Patients without relapsed/refractory B-cell ALL or those who do not meet the specific clinical indications for PET-CT imaging may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the identification of patients at risk for poor outcomes, leading to more tailored and effective treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of ALL, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other hematological malignancies, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Diagnosis: Participants must have a B cell ALL (inclusive of CML with ALL transformation)
* Age: 5-39 years

  * All participants \>=18 years old with relapsed/refractory B cell ALL potentially proceeding to CAR therapy at the NIH, or
  * Any participant \<18 potentially proceeding to CAR therapy at the NIH with a clinical indication for FDG PET-CT prior to CAR infusion:

    * History of prior EMD
    * History of post-HSCT relapse
    * Clinical signs or incidental findings suspicious for EMD
    * Peripheral disease out of proportion of bone marrow disease burden
* Participants who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed must agree to discontinue/postpone breastfeeding within 24 hours of any PET-CT scan
* Ability and willingness of participant or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) to co-enroll on protocol 10-C-0086 "Comprehensive Omics Analysis of Pediatric Solid Tumors and Establishment of a Repository for Related Biological Studies".
* Ability of participant or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Pregnant individuals are excluded from this study
* History of severe, immediate hypersensitivity reaction attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to any agents used in study (e.g., FDG injection)

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

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 B CellAcute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaRelapsed/RefractoryImagingNatural HistoryACUTE LEUKEMIA
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.