Using PET scans and blood tests to detect cervical cancer after treatment

FDG-PET and Circulating HPV in Patients With Cervical Cancer Treated With Definitive Chemoradiation (II)

Not applicable Interventional University Health Network, Toronto · NCT03853915

This study is testing whether PET scans and blood tests for HPV can help find leftover cervical cancer in patients who have already received treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03853915 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of FDG-PET scans and blood tests for HPV in detecting residual cervical cancer cells in patients who have undergone standard chemoradiation treatment. It aims to validate previous findings that suggest HPV DNA levels in blood can indicate treatment response and predict survival outcomes. The study will involve patients with confirmed cervical cancer who are receiving standard care, and it will assess the correlation between imaging results and HPV DNA levels. By monitoring these biomarkers, the study seeks to improve early detection of cancer recurrence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed cervical cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma) at FIGO stage IB-IVA who are planned for radical radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastases, other cervical cancer histologies, or contraindications to PET-CT, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate monitoring of cervical cancer treatment outcomes and earlier detection of recurrences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that HPV DNA can be a valuable biomarker for monitoring cervical cancer.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix, FIGO stage IB-IVA
* 3.1.2 Planned for radical radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy.
* 3.1.3 Age ≥ 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of distant metastases (suspicious paraaortic nodes below the renal vessels allowed if they will be encompassed within the radiation field)
* Patients who have received any anticancer treatment for their cervical cancer.
* Other cervical cancer tumor histologies (e.g. small cell, serous)
* Contraindications to 18FDG PET-CT
* Contraindication to radiotherapy (e.g. severe Crohn's disease)
* Contraindication to chemotherapy (e.g. non-reversible renal failure)
* History of another invasive malignancy, except for non-melanoma skin cancer or tumors curatively treated with no evidence of disease for ≥ 5 years.
* Known pregnancy or lactating

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Cervical CancerPET ScanHPV DNA
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.