Using PET scans to diagnose subclinical rejection in kidney transplant patients

Non-invasive Diagnosis and Management of Subclinical Rejection in Kidney Transplant Patients Using 18F-fluorodeoxy Glucose Positron Emission Tomography (18FDG-PET/CT)

Not applicable Interventional University of Liege · NCT04702022

This study is testing if a special type of scan can safely spot early signs of kidney rejection in transplant patients without needing a painful biopsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Liege Academic / other
Locations1 site (Liège, Liège)
Trial IDNCT04702022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging as a non-invasive method to diagnose subclinical rejection in kidney transplant patients. Traditionally, renal biopsies are the gold standard for detecting acute rejection, but they are invasive and carry risks. The study aims to validate PET/CT imaging as a safer alternative that can help identify patients who may benefit from corticosteroid withdrawal without the need for biopsy. The research will involve kidney transplant recipients who are monitored for signs of rejection using this imaging technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are kidney transplant recipients aged over 18 who are stable and not taking anticoagulants.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have polyomavirus nephropathy, or are highly sensitized may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the need for invasive biopsies and improve management of kidney transplant patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar PET imaging techniques for diagnosing rejection in kidney transplants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Kidney recipients aged over 18 and of all sexes

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant patients
* Polyomavirus nephropathy
* Highly sensitised patients (historical or at 3 months Donor specific antibodies)
* No corticosteroids withdrawal allowed (second kidney transplantation or primary disease)

Where this trial is running

Liège, Liège

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 Kidney Transplant RejectionKidney TransplantComplicationsPET/CT imagingCorticoids withdrawalSubClinical Rejection
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.