Study of 18FET PET in Functional Pituitary Adenomas With Indeterminate MRI Findings
This research is testing a special scan called an 18FET PET scan for people who might have a functional pituitary adenoma. These are usually harmless growths on the pituitary gland that can make too many hormones, like those causing conditions such as Cushing's disease or acromegaly. Sometimes, these small tumors are hard to see clearly on standard MRI scans, especially if someone has had surgery before. This study wants to find out if the 18FET PET scan is better at finding these tricky tumors. If it proves successful, it could help doctors make more informed decisions about treatment and improve care for people with these conditions, ultimately helping them feel better and live healthier lives.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a new way to find certain types of growths on your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small but mighty gland in your brain that produces many important hormones. Sometimes, a non-cancerous growth, called an adenoma, can form on this gland. These adenomas are often harmless, but some can produce too many hormones, leading to conditions like Cushing's disease (too much stress hormone), acromegaly (too much growth hormone), or prolactinoma (too much prolactin).
Doctors usually use MRI scans to find these growths. However, sometimes the growths are very small or hidden, making them hard to see clearly with an MRI. This can be particularly true if someone has already had surgery on their pituitary gland, as the changes from the surgery can make it difficult to tell if a new growth has appeared or if the old one has come back. This uncertainty can make it challenging for doctors to decide on the best treatment plan.
That's where this study comes in. We are testing a special type of scan called an 18FET PET scan. This scan uses a small amount of a safe, traceable substance that highlights areas where hormones are being overly produced by these specific types of pituitary growths. The goal is to see if the 18FET PET scan can find these difficult-to-detect growths more clearly than an MRI, providing doctors with better information to guide your treatment and ultimately help you feel better.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates a new scan (18FET PET) for pituitary growths.
- It aims to improve detection when MRI scans are unclear.
- The scan might help doctors plan better treatment for specific hormone-producing growths.
- Participation involves an 18FET PET scan and follow-up.
- It could benefit future patients and possibly provide clearer information for your own care.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to both men and women aged 18 or older. You might be able to join if your doctor suspects you have a pituitary growth that's making too many hormones (like for Cushing's disease, acromegaly, or prolactinoma), and your regular MRI scan hasn't given a clear answer. This applies whether you've been newly diagnosed or if a previous growth might have returned.
To be part of the study, you need to be covered by social security and be able to follow all the study's instructions for its full duration. Also, if the 18FET PET scan does find a growth, you must be suitable for potential surgery or radiotherapy, as these are common treatments.
However, you won't be able to join if you are pregnant, allergic to medications used in scans, or unable to understand and agree to the study details. People who have certain medical conditions like serious liver disease or uncontrolled epilepsy, or those who use alcohol heavily, will also not be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do doctors suspect you have a hormone-producing pituitary growth?
- Was your last brain MRI scan not clear about the growth?
- Are you able to have surgery or radiotherapy if it's needed?
- Are you not pregnant?
- Are you covered by social security?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will have an 18FET PET scan. This will involve receiving a small, safe injection of a tracing substance before the scan. The study team will provide all the necessary information and guide you through each step. There will also be appointments to check your health and make sure you're doing well throughout the study. The total duration of your participation will depend on the study's follow-up plan, which the team will explain in detail.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Roger Salengro Hospital - Lille University HospitalVerified postcodeLille, France
Common questions
What is a pituitary adenoma?
It's a common, non-cancerous growth on your pituitary gland, a small gland in your brain. Some can make too many hormones.
Why is MRI not always clear?
Sometimes these growths are very small, or previous surgery might make it hard to tell if a growth has returned on an MRI scan.
What is an 18FET PET scan?
It's a special type of scan that uses a safe, traceable substance to highlight specific areas where hormone-producing growths might be located.
Will this scan diagnose me for sure?
The goal is for it to give doctors clearer information to help them understand your condition and plan the best treatment for you.
Do I have to pay to participate?
No, if you meet the eligibility criteria and are covered by social security, your participation will not have a direct cost to you.
How to find out more
Benjamin CHEVALIER, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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