New imaging technique aims to catch scleroderma inflammation before scarring sets in
NCT ID NCT07212959
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a type of PET scan called CXCR4-PET/CT can detect inflammation in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disease that causes scarring in organs like the lungs. The scan uses a radioactive tracer to highlight active immune cells. The goal is to find inflammation early, before it turns into permanent fibrosis. Twelve adults with early SSc and lung scarring took part in this completed imaging study.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 68Ga-Pentixafor (a radioactive tracer for PET imaging)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this imaging method could help doctors detect inflammation early in systemic sclerosis, potentially preventing irreversible organ damage.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, completed study with only 12 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. It is an imaging test, not a treatment, so it cannot change the disease course on its own.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (SSC) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University Hospital Würzburg
Würzburg, Bavaria, 97078, Germany
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can skin biopsies unlock new treatments for scleroderma?
- Could a skin patch ease stomach pain in scleroderma?
- Could a painless microneedle pad ease Raynaud's in scleroderma?
- Can a new pill ease the hardening skin of systemic sclerosis?
- A drug after transplant may stop scleroderma from coming back
- Can a single drug calm three different autoimmune diseases? a new trial puts ATG-201 to the test.