New imaging test could pinpoint tiny pancreatic tumors in babies, guiding Life-Saving surgery
NCT ID NCT04205604
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a special PET scan using a radioactive tracer called FDOPA can accurately find and locate focal lesions in the pancreas of infants with congenital hyperinsulinism, a condition causing severe low blood sugar. The goal is to help surgeons remove only the diseased part of the pancreas, potentially curing the condition. The study will enroll 50 children, primarily infants under 6 months old, who have been diagnosed with this condition.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 18F-Fluoro Dopa (a radioactive tracer used in PET imaging)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this imaging method could help surgeons precisely remove only the diseased part of the pancreas, potentially curing focal congenital hyperinsulinism without removing the whole organ.
- What could go wrong
- This is a phase 2 study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The imaging may not always correctly identify the lesion, leading to incomplete surgery or unnecessary procedures.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of California, San Francisco
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94143, United States
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