Methionine PET/CT Studies In Patients With Cancer (NCT00840047) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingPhase 2
Methionine PET/CT Studies In Patients With Cancer
United States503 participantsStarted 2009-07-20
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to test the usefulness of imaging with radiolabeled methionine in the evaluation of children and young adults with tumor(s). Methionine is a naturally occurring essential amino acid. It is crucial for the formation of proteins. When labeled with carbon-11 (C-11), a radioactive isotope of the naturally occurring carbon-12, the distribution of methionine can be determined noninvasively using a PET (positron emission tomography) camera. C-11 methionine (MET) has been shown valuable in the monitoring of a large number of neoplasms. Since C-11 has a short half life (20 minutes), MET must be produced in a facility very close to its intended use. Thus, it is not widely available and is produced only at select institutions with access to a cyclotron and PET chemistry facility. With the new availability of short lived tracers produced by its PET chemistry unit, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) is one of only a few facilities with the capabilities and interests to evaluate the utility of PET scanning in the detection of tumors, evaluation of response to therapy, and distinction of residual tumor from scar tissue in patients who have completed therapy. The investigators propose to examine the biodistribution of MET in patients with malignant solid neoplasms, with emphasis on central nervous system (CNS) tumors and sarcomas. This project introduces a new diagnostic test for the noninvasive evaluation of neoplasms in pediatric oncology. Although not the primary purpose of this proposal, the investigators anticipate that MET studies will provide useful clinical information for the management of patients with malignant neoplasms.
Who can participate
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* All participants under the care of St. Jude physicians with known or suspected neoplastic disease are eligible for participation.
* Participants will have had, or are scheduled to have clinical imaging evaluations which may include FDG PET CT, or CT, or MRI within 4 weeks of entry.
* No limit on age or gender.
* Female participants of childbearing age must not be lactating due to theoretical potential harm to the infant from exposure to radiation.
* Informed consent signed by participant, parent, or guardian according to the guidelines of the institutional review board.
Exclusion Criteria:
* More than 6 MET PET scans within the previous 12 months.
* Inability or unwillingness of research participant, parent, or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
Inclusion Criteria for Open-Access
* All participants under the care of St. Jude physicians with known or suspected neoplastic disease are eligible for participation.
* No limit on age or gender
* Female participants of childbearing age must not be lactating due to theoretical potential harm to the infant from exposure to radiation.
* Informed consent signed by participant, parent, or guardian according to the guidelines of the institutional review board.
Exclusion Criteria for Open-Access
* More than 6 MET PET scans within the previous 12 months.
* Inability or unwillingness of research participant, parent, or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is using a methionine PET/CT scan to try to visualize tumors — how does that differ from the standard PET or MRI scans I might already be getting, and could that imaging approach provide any additional useful information about my specific tumor?
2Since this trial is no longer actively recruiting but is still listed as active, does that mean results or data might be available soon, and how could those findings affect the imaging approach used in my care?
3This is a Phase 2 trial focused on how well the methionine scan can detect tumors — given that it's primarily an imaging study rather than a treatment trial, what would participation actually involve for me in terms of extra scans, appointments, or radiation exposure?
4My diagnosis falls into one of the tumor types this study covers — are there situations where a methionine PET/CT scan might give my care team clearer information than what we currently have, and is that worth pursuing outside of this trial if I can't enroll?
5Since this trial isn't recruiting new patients, are there similar imaging studies or alternative ways to access methionine PET/CT scanning that my care team could look into for my case?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Success rate of methionine (MET) for visualizing tumors