PYLARIFY PET-CT Imaging for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether a new imaging agent, piflufolastat F18, can improve scans for patients with certain types of cancer, including breast, liver (HCC), and pancreatic cancers. The goal is to determine if this agent can detect cancer spread more accurately than current methods. The process involves a simple injection followed by a scan. Suitable candidates have confirmed breast, liver, or pancreatic cancer and either suspect or know that their cancer has spread. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new imaging agent.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have had chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy within 4 weeks before the trial, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that piflufolastat F18 is likely to be safe for humans?
Previous studies have used piflufolastat F18 safely for imaging prostate cancer. As a PET imaging agent, it helps doctors visualize certain proteins in the body through a special scan. Prostate cancer patients have tolerated this treatment well, with most experiencing only mild side effects, such as feeling warm or having a headache. Serious side effects are rare. Although the FDA has approved this treatment for prostate cancer imaging, its safety for other cancers, like breast or pancreatic, remains under investigation. In this early-phase trial, researchers are beginning to explore its safety in these new areas.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Piflufolastat F18 because it represents a novel approach to cancer imaging. Unlike traditional imaging methods which may rely on older tracers, Piflufolastat F18 is a radiotracer that targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), offering more precise imaging of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. This specificity could potentially enhance the detection and monitoring of cancer, offering clearer insights into the disease's progression and response to treatment. Additionally, it is administered quickly through a simple intravenous injection, making the process less invasive and more efficient for patients.
What evidence suggests that Piflufolastat F18 is effective for imaging breast cancer, HCC, or pancreatic cancer?
Research has shown that piflufolastat F18, which participants in this trial will receive, is a promising imaging tool, particularly for detecting cancer. In studies with prostate cancer patients, it accurately identified cancer. Doctors reported increased confidence in their treatment plans after using piflufolastat F18 scans in 96% of cases. While most research has focused on prostate cancer, this imaging agent could also aid in visualizing other cancers, such as breast, liver, and pancreatic. It targets PSMA, a protein often found in higher amounts on cancer cells, making tumors easier to detect in scans.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Yang Lu, MD, PHD
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or invasive lobular breast cancer who may have metastatic disease. Participants must be able to consent, have a measurable lesion, and an estimated life expectancy of at least 3 months. Pregnant women, those allergic to PSMA PET radiopharmaceuticals, or unable to undergo PET-CT are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Imaging
Participants receive PYLARIFY (piflufolastat F18) PET-CT scans to assess diagnosis accuracy for detecting metastasis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after imaging
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Piflufolastat F18
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
Lantheus Medical Imaging
Industry Sponsor