Using PET/MRI to diagnose chronic pain
Use of [18F]FTC-146 PET/MRI in the Diagnosis of Chronic Pain
This study is testing a new imaging technique to see if it can help doctors understand the causes of chronic pain in patients compared to healthy volunteers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 190 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03556137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the role of sigma-1 receptors in chronic pain by using a specific radiotracer, [18F]FTC-146, in conjunction with positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). The researchers will compare the uptake of this radiotracer in healthy volunteers against individuals suffering from various types of chronic pain, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and mixed pain. By identifying the source of pain generation, the study seeks to improve diagnostic methods and treatment selection for chronic pain patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with chronic pain lasting more than two months and a pain level of at least 4 out of 10.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or have claustrophobia or MRI incompatibility will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using imaging techniques to understand chronic pain, but the specific use of [18F]FTC-146 in this context is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy Volunteers: 1. At least 18 years old. 2. Covid Vaccination status: Vaccinated or unvaccinated subjects who received a negative test result from the Covid test within 72 hours of the scan. Pain Patients: 1. At least 18 years old. 2. Chronic pain (nociceptive, neuropathic or mixed pain) lasting greater than 2 months. 3. Pain level of at least 4/10 on a 0-10 Comparative Pain Scale. 4. Covid Vaccination status: Vaccinated or unvaccinated subjects who received a negative test result from the Covid test within 72 hours of the scan. Exclusion Criteria: Healthy Volunteers: 1. Pain 2. Pain Medication 3. MRI incompatible 4. Pregnant or nursing 5. Non-English speaker 6. Claustrophobic Pain Patients: 1. MRI incompatible 2. Pregnant or nursing 3. Non-English speaker 4. Claustrophobic
Where this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford University — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anand Veeravagu, MD — Stanford University Department of Neurosurgery
- Study coordinator: Anand Veeravagu, MD
- Email: anand.veeravagu@stanford.edu
- Phone: (650) 498-6154
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.