PCD-CT + PET-CT Imaging for Head and Neck Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: Iodinated contrast allergy, Renal insufficiency, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to improve PET-CT scans for individuals with head and neck cancer. It aims to determine if a new imaging method, called PCD-CT (an advanced imaging technology), provides clearer images than the standard method. Researchers will compare participants' standard PET-CT scans with those using this new technology to assess if it aids doctors in making better diagnoses. Individuals who have had a PET-CT scan for head and neck cancer within the last month and have completed or are scheduled for another scan are suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to advancing imaging technology that could enhance future cancer diagnoses.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that PCD-CT is safe for PET-CT imaging?

Research has shown that photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is generally easy for patients to handle. In studies related to cancer treatment and head and neck imaging, PCD-CT was used without reports of serious side effects. These studies emphasize that it provides clearer images than traditional methods without adding risks for patients. Additionally, in lung cancer imaging, PCD-CT demonstrated better image quality, helping doctors see tumors more clearly. So far, evidence suggests that PCD-CT is safe for people, especially since it doesn't involve new drugs or invasive procedures. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it's exploring how PCD-CT, a new imaging technique, might improve the quality of PET-CT scans for head and neck cancer. Unlike the traditional EID-CT scans, PCD-CT potentially offers clearer images, which could enhance diagnostic confidence for radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. This could lead to more accurate assessments of the cancer, helping doctors make better treatment decisions.

What evidence suggests that PCD-CT is effective for imaging head and neck cancer?

Research has shown that a new type of CT scan, called photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT), improves the quality of medical images. Studies have found that PCD-CT provides clearer and more detailed images than traditional CT scans. This trial will compare PCD-CT with PET-CT imaging to assess image quality. PCD-CT reduces background noise and captures more precise images, helping doctors detect tumors in the head and neck earlier and more accurately. Overall, PCD-CT represents a significant advancement in imaging, crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment planning. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kevin Horn, PhD, MD

Principal Investigator

Medical University of South Carolina

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adult patients with head and neck cancers who are already scheduled for standard PET-CT imaging can participate. Specific eligibility criteria aren't provided, but typically participants must be in stable health and able to comply with study procedures.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

I have had or am scheduled for a PET-CT scan of my head and neck within the last 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria

Intervening therapy between scans

My kidney function is low (GFR below 45).

Pregnancy

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Imaging

Participants undergo standard-of-care PET-CT and PCD-CT imaging for comparison of image quality and diagnostic confidence

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after imaging

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PCD-CT

Trial Overview The trial is testing a new type of CT scan called PCD-CT alongside the regular PET-CT scans that patients receive. It aims to see if PCD-CT provides better image quality and helps doctors make more confident diagnoses than the current method.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PET CT scan Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

To compare the image quality of PET images constructed using non-contrast PCD-CT image data to PET images constructed using conventional standard-of-care non-contrast EID-CT image data by performing a quantitative analysis of measurable image quality parameters.

Group II: PCD-CT Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

To compare the subjective image quality of PET images constructed using non-contrast PCD-CT image data to PET images constructed using conventional standard-of-care non-contrast EID-CT image data by performing a qualitative analysis of diagnostic confidence as determined by board-certified radiologists/nuclear medicine physicians during image review.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

994

Recruited

7,408,000+

Siemens Medical Solutions

Industry Sponsor

Trials

26

Recruited

6,100+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11383418/

Photon-Counting CT in the Head and Neck - PubMed Central In this paper, we review current clinical applications of PCD-CT in head and neck imaging, with a focus on the temporal bone, facial bones, and paranasal ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405631625001691

First implementation of photon-counting dector computed ... PCD-CT offers several advantages over energy-integrating detector computed tomography (EID-CT), including reduced electronic noise, enhanced ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07242690?lastUpdPost=2020-01-16_

Study Details | NCT07242690 | PET-CT Imaging With PCD- ... This pilot study evaluates the clinical utility of photon counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) in PET-CT imaging for head and neck ...

4. dirjournal.org dirjournal.org/articles/photon-counting-detector-computed-tomography-in-thoracic-oncology-revolutionizing-tumor-imaging-through-precision-and-detail/dir.2025.253550

Photon-counting detector computed tomography in thoracic ... In conclusion, PCD-CT provides higher spatial and spectral fidelity at lower or comparable doses, supporting earlier and more precise tumor ...

5. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/bjr/advance-article/doi/10.1093/bjr/tqaf116/8151547

Photon-counting detector CT: technology overview and ... This article provides a comprehensive overview of PCD-CT technology, comparing it with EID-based systems. It highlights key advantages such as superior spatial ...

6. ajnr.org ajnr.org/content/45/8/1000

Photon-Counting CT in the Head and Neck In this paper, we review current clinical applications of PCD-CT in head and neck imaging, with a focus on the temporal bone, facial bones, and paranasal ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8409241/

Photon Counting CT: Clinical Applications and Future ... Readers scored PCD CT better for gray-white matter differentiation and for image noise [34]. A related study compared contrast enhanced CT of the head and neck ...