New scan could light up hidden infections

NCT ID NCT04263792

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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