New PET tracer aims to light up head and neck tumors

NCT ID NCT03631017

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing the safety of a new imaging drug called [18F]PARPi in 12 people with head and neck cancer. The drug is designed to make cancer cells show up more clearly on PET/CT scans. The goal is to see if this approach can provide better pictures of tumors than current standard imaging methods.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

[18F]PARPi (a radioactive imaging agent)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a new, more precise way to image head and neck cancers using a PET scan.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study (12 people) focused on safety and imaging quality, not treatment. The imaging agent may not work as hoped or could cause unexpected side effects.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    New York, New York, 10065, United States