Metabolic MRI could spot prostate cancer without a needle
NCT ID NCT04698564
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a new type of MRI scan that uses a special contrast agent called hyperpolarized pyruvate to see how prostate cells use energy. The goal is to safely distinguish cancerous from normal tissue in men with suspected or known prostate cancer. Participants receive the injection and undergo metabolic MRI before their planned biopsy or surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate injection, a contrast agent for metabolic MRI
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this imaging technique could provide a non-invasive way to detect and risk-stratify prostate cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 4 participants, so results may not generalize. The scan's accuracy compared to standard biopsy is still unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
4 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2020
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
40 to 80 years
- Sex
-
Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age greater than 40 and less than 80 years 2. Clinical suspicion or history of prostate cancer reflected by one of the following: * PSA \> 4ng/ml * Abnormal DRE exam * Known tissue diagnosis of prostate cancer from prior workup 3. Patient planning to undergo either a MRI targeted biopsy or radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer workup or treatment Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to undergo MRI scan 2. Inability to receive IV contrast as per institutional protocol.
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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 Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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