New scan could light up hidden infections

NCT ID NCT04263792

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early study is testing a radioactive tracer called [18F]F-TMP that is injected into the body and then tracked with a PET/CT scan. The goal is to see if the tracer collects at sites of bacterial infection, making them visible on the scan. Twenty adults with known or suspected bacterial infections will take part. If successful, this approach could give doctors a new tool to locate infections without invasive procedures.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

radioactive tracer called [18F]F-TMP (a modified antibiotic that shows up on PET scans)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could lead to a new way to pinpoint bacterial infections in the body using a simple scan, helping doctors treat infections more accurately.

What could go wrong

This is a very early (Phase 1) study with only 20 people, so it is mainly checking safety and how the tracer moves through the body. It may not prove useful for diagnosing infections in practice.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BACTERIAL INFECTIONS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bacterial infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Pennsylvania

    RECRUITING

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••