New imaging study tracks sugar to tell cancer from inflammation

NCT ID NCT05625217

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Davis Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This completed study used a total-body PET scanner to track how a radioactive sugar (FDG) behaves in head and neck cancer and inflammation right after injection and many hours later. Seven adults with stage II-IVa oral cancer who were scheduled for radiotherapy took part. The goal was to see if delayed imaging could help tell cancer apart from radiotherapy-related inflammation.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors better distinguish between cancer and inflammation after radiotherapy, improving treatment monitoring.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage imaging study with only 7 participants. It is not designed to test a treatment, so direct patient benefits are uncertain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

UC Davis EXPLORER Molecular Imaging Center

Sacramento, California, 95816, United States

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