MedTrace Logo

Application of 18F-FDG PET/MRI for Initial Staging in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

NCT06947759 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 20

Last updated 2025-04-27

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This single-center prospective observational study aims to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and clinical value of positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) for initial staging in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It will compare the diagnostic performance of PET/MRI, including sensitivity, specificity, and staging accuracy, with traditional staging methods such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prevalent in Southeast Asia and North Africa, with approximately 5% of newly diagnosed cases presenting with distant metastases. For patients with N2-3 disease and elevated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA levels, the risk of distant metastasis can reach 27.5%. Accurate detection of distant metastases at diagnosis is crucial for staging and treatment planning. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT for staging in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, as traditional tools (e.g., chest CT, abdominal ultrasound, bone scans) may yield false-negative results.

PET/MRI, as a novel imaging technique, offers potential advantages such as improved diagnostic accuracy, shorter scan times, and reduced false-positive rates. However, its clinical application is limited by high costs and equipment availability. This study will explore the clinical value and economic feasibility of PET/MRI in nasopharyngeal carcinoma staging, aiming to establish its potential role in improving diagnostic pathways.

Conditions

Interventions

RADIATION

PET/MRI

This single-center prospective observational study targets patients pathologically diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and clinically staged as cT3-4/N2-N3. Participants will first undergo standard whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT, followed by localized 18F-FDG PET/MRI of the head and neck within 4 hours. Both imaging procedures will be performed according to standard clinical protocols to ensure data consistency and comparability. PET/MRI data will be independently interpreted by an experienced nuclear medicine physician and a radiologist. The sensitivity, specificity, and staging accuracy for detecting distant metastases will be analyzed. In cases of disagreement, a third physician will mediate to reach a consensus. The study team will also record the operational time, direct costs, and potential issues encountered during the examination process for both imaging modalities. All participants will be followed for at least one year to validate imaging results and assess correlation

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Taichung Veterans General Hospital

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-04-30
Primary Completion
2026-03-31
Completion
2026-04-30

Countries

  • Taiwan

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06947759 on ClinicalTrials.gov