New PET scan technique aims to sniff out hidden infections

NCT ID NCT05611905

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early study tested whether a special PET scan using a radioactive form of vitamin B9 (11C-PABA) can help doctors see infections deep inside the body. Researchers scanned 13 healthy people and patients with known or suspected infections. The goal was to see if this method can tell the difference between an infection and other problems like inflammation or cancer.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

11C-para-aminobenzoic acid (11C-PABA) with PET/CT imaging

What this could lead to

If successful, this imaging technique could help doctors quickly tell if a deep-body infection is bacterial or not, guiding better treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a very early Phase 1 study with only 13 people. It tests imaging, not treatment, so it won't directly help patients yet. The technique may not reliably distinguish infections from other conditions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bacterial infectious disease cancer idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis infectious disease inflammatory disease neoplasm rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States