Whole-body PET/CT using FR-β tracer to image vascular inflammation in coronary artery disease
Official title: Vascular Inflammation in Atherosclerosis Whole Body Molecular PET/CT Imaging Using Folate Receptor β
Run by Turku University Hospital · NCT07877324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a new PET tracer, 18F-AlF-NOTA-Folate, to see if it can visualize inflammation in blood vessels of people with coronary artery disease or a recent heart attack.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Turku University Hospital Government |
| Drugs / interventions | methotrexate, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Turku) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2032 |
| Registry record updated | October 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07877324 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 50-80 with suspected CAD undergoing coronary CT angiography and PET imaging, or adults aged 50-80 who recently had a myocardial infarction.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients outside the 50-80 age range or those with contraindications to PET imaging or contrast agents may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial uses a novel folate receptor beta–targeted PET tracer to detect activated macrophage inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques throughout the body. Participants include adults with suspected or known CAD undergoing clinical imaging and a smaller group recently experiencing myocardial infarction. The approach involves whole-body PET/CT imaging after administration of 18F-AlF-NOTA-Folate to assess whether tracer uptake correlates with inflammatory activity in vessels. The study aims to determine feasibility, safety, and imaging characteristics of FR-β targeting for vascular inflammation. About 90 participants are planned in two groups, with comprehensive imaging and clinical assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this imaging approach could allow noninvasive detection and quantification of vascular inflammation to guide risk stratification and treatment decisions in CAD.
How similar studies have gone: FR-β PET tracers have shown signal in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and have demonstrated safety in humans, supporting feasibility for vascular imaging.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Group A: \- Patients aged 50-80 years with suspected coronary artery disease who have undergone coronary CT angiography and are referred for cardiac 15O-water PET perfusion imaging based on suspected obstructive coronary artery disease. Group B: \- Patients aged 50-80 years with a recent myocardial infarction. For both group A and B: \- Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * unstable angina symptoms * previous myocardial infarction (Group A) * previous coronary artery bypass grafting or previous percutaneous coronary intervention * severe pulmonary disease * severe symptomatic asthma * severe valvular disease * uncontrolled hypertension (\>180/110 mmHg) * severe hypotension (systolic blood pressure \<100 mmHg) * severe renal failure * pregnancy * age \<50 or \>80 years * second- or third-degree atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker * allergy to X-ray contrast agents * known inflammatory disease, including rheumatic or autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis, or myocarditis * known infection * use of anti-inflammatory medication or folate antagonists such as corticosteroids or methotrexate; known cancer.
Where it's running
-
Turku PET Centre
Turku, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Antti Saraste, MD, Professor
- Email: antsaras@utu.fi
- Phone: +358-407022756
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.