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.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Congenital Hyperinsulinism familial hyperinsulinism

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

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••