Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

PET Imaging of Giant Cell and Takayasu Arteritis

This study aims to improve how we find and monitor serious conditions called Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis, which cause inflammation in large blood vessels. Currently, a common scan (18F-FDG PET) isn't always clear enough, especially in certain parts of the body like the brain or heart. This makes it hard to see if treatments are working. We are exploring new types of PET-MRI scans using a different kind of imaging material. The hope is that these new scans will be much better at showing exactly where the inflammation is and how it responds to treatment. We'll be scanning patients before and after six months of treatment, and also people whose condition is already under control, to see if these new scans can accurately identify active disease.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Cambridge

Enrolment target

Start

25 Jun 2019

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2025

Giant Cell Arteritis Takayasu Arteritis

What is this study about?

Imagine your body's blood vessels as a network of tubes carrying blood. Sometimes, these tubes can get inflamed, leading to conditions like Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu Arteritis (TA). These are serious conditions that need careful monitoring and treatment. Currently, doctors often use a scan called an 18F-FDG PET scan to look for this inflammation. However, this scan isn't always perfect. For example, it can be hard to see inflammation in certain areas, like the arteries around the brain in GCA or the heart in TA, because other normal body activities also light up on the scan. This makes it tricky to get a clear picture and to tell if treatments are really working.

This research study is trying to find a better way to see and track this inflammation. We are testing new types of PET-MRI scans that use a different kind of imaging material, called a somatostatin receptor subtype-2 (SST2) tracer. This tracer is designed to specifically stick to inflamed areas in the blood vessels, acting like a spotlight that highlights the problem areas. By using these new scans, we hope to get a much clearer and more accurate picture of the inflammation.

If these new scans prove to be better, it could mean doctors can diagnose these conditions more accurately, know sooner if a treatment is working, and ultimately provide better care for people with Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis. This study is an important step towards improving how we understand and manage these conditions.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find better ways to detect and monitor blood vessel inflammation.
It uses new PET-MRI scans to highlight inflamed areas more clearly.
The new scans might help doctors better track how well treatments are working.
Participants will have scans before and after a period of treatment.
The study hopes to improve care for people with Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old. You must be able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing, and also be able to lie flat for the scans.

We are looking for people who have recently been diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis or Takayasu Arteritis, or those experiencing a flare-up of their condition. We are also including people who are having surgery for their blood vessel condition, or those whose condition is currently stable and in remission. You might also be considered if your doctor already thinks you need a standard 18F-FDG PET-CT scan.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or could become pregnant and are not using effective birth control. You also can't take part if you have certain health problems that make MRI scans unsafe for you, serious kidney issues, allergies to scan dyes, or any other medical condition that would make it difficult to lie flat or participate safely in the study. Also, if you've had certain types of cancer recently, you might not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 18 years old?
Do you have Giant Cell Arteritis or Takayasu Arteritis, or a flare-up?
Are you able to lie still and flat for scans?
Are you not pregnant or trying to get pregnant (or using effective contraception if you are)?
Do you have any metal implants that might prevent an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have specific scans. Before starting treatment for your condition, you'll have a new type of PET-MRI scan using a special tracing material, and if your doctor thinks it's needed, you'll also have a standard 18F-FDG scan. You will then continue with your usual medical treatment. After about six months of treatment, you will have the new PET-MRI scan again to see how your body has responded to medicines. Patients whose condition is already stable and in remission will have one of these new PET-MRI scans. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of receiving new, advanced scans that could give more detailed information about your condition. This research could also help improve the diagnosis and monitoring of Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis for future patients. However, there are some potential risks. You will be exposed to a small amount of radiation from the PET scans, similar to what you might get from a few X-rays. There's also a very small chance of an allergic reaction to the special tracing materials used in the scans. MRI scans involve strong magnets, so people with certain metal implants cannot have them. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Cambridge
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are Giant Cell Arteritis and Takayasu Arteritis?

They are conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames large blood vessels. This can cause various symptoms and needs treatment.

What is a PET-MRI scan?

It's a special type of body scan that combines two powerful imaging methods: PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). It helps doctors get very detailed pictures inside your body.

Why can't current scans always show the inflammation clearly?

Current scans sometimes show normal body activity in the same areas as the inflammation, which can make it hard to tell the difference and get a clear picture.

What are the 'special tracing materials' you mentioned?

These are safe substances given before the scan that travel through your body and help the scanner see specific areas, like inflamed blood vessels, more clearly.

Will taking part change my usual medical treatment?

No, your medical treatment will continue as normal. This study is just looking at different ways to scan and monitor your condition.