RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

NUclear MEdicine DIagnostic and Artificial Intelligence

This study is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors diagnose a condition called hyperparathyroidism, which affects small glands in your neck called parathyroid glands. When these glands don't work properly, it can cause problems in your body. Doctors currently use special scans to find the problem, but reading these scans can be time-consuming and sometimes tricky. This research aims to develop clever computer programs that can automatically analyse these scans and quickly highlight areas that might be an issue. The goal is to make diagnosing hyperparathyroidism more efficient and precise for patients, using scans that have already been taken as part of their usual care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Hyperparathyroidism

What is this study about?

This study is all about making the diagnosis of a condition called hyperparathyroidism much better using smart computer programs, known as artificial intelligence (AI). Hyperparathyroidism happens when your parathyroid glands, which are tiny glands in your neck, produce too much of a certain hormone. This can affect your calcium levels and cause various health issues.

To find out if someone has hyperparathyroidism, doctors often use special scans called parathyroid scans. These scans involve using very small amounts of safe radioactive materials to create detailed images of the glands. Currently, doctors have to carefully look at these images and sometimes combine different types of scans to pinpoint exactly where the problem is. This can be quite a detailed and manual process.

The researchers in this study are developing new AI tools that can automatically process these scans. Imagine a computer program that can quickly look at all the scan images, subtract out any confusing parts, and then use its 'intelligence' to highlight the specific area of concern – called a parathyroid adenoma. This could make it much faster and more straightforward for doctors to find the problem, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses for patients. They are using scans that have already been taken from patients as part of their routine care, so no new scans are needed for this research.

Key takeaways

The study uses AI to improve finding parathyroid problems on scans.
It aims for faster, more accurate diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism.
Only uses existing, anonymised scans; no new tests for patients.
Could lead to better diagnostic tools for doctors in the future.
Your medical information is kept private and secure.

Who may be eligible?

To be included in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You must have had a specific type of parathyroid scan that uses two different imaging materials (called a 'double-isotope parathyroid scintigraphy').

The good news is that this study is looking at scans that have already been done, either recently or in the past (after April 13, 2022). So, you don't need to do anything extra to take part.

However, if you've specifically said you don't want your medical information used for research, or if your scan wasn't done using the specific standard method required for this study, then your past scans won't be included.

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 18 years old or older?
Have you had a parathyroid scan using two different imaging materials?
Did you have this scan after April 13, 2022?
Have you not refused the use of your medical data for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you meet the criteria for this study, you won't need to do anything new or different. The research team will be reviewing existing scans and medical information that has already been collected as part of your standard diagnostic care. This means there are no extra appointments, tests, medications, or follow-up visits involved for you. Your participation relies solely on the use of your existing de-identified medical data if it matches the study's needs and if you haven't opted out of research data use.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only uses anonymised past scan results and medical information, there are no direct physical risks to you. There are also no direct personal benefits. However, if this research is successful, it could lead to better and faster ways for doctors to diagnose hyperparathyroidism in the future, benefiting many patients. You have the right to refuse the use of your data for research at any time.

Locations (1)

CHU Besancon
Verified postcode
Besançon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hyperparathyroidism?

It's a condition where small glands in your neck, called parathyroid glands, make too much hormone, which can affect your body's calcium levels.

What is artificial intelligence (AI) in this study?

AI refers to computer programs designed to help doctors analyse medical scans more quickly and accurately, to find problems like those in parathyroid glands.

Do I need to have any extra tests?

No, this study uses scans and information that have already been collected as part of your normal hospital care. You won't need any new tests or appointments.

Will my personal data be safe?

The study uses information from scans that are anonymised, meaning your name and personal details are removed, so your privacy is protected.

How will this study help patients?

It aims to make it easier and faster for doctors to diagnose hyperparathyroidism in the future, which could lead to quicker treatment for patients.

How to find out more

Laurent COMAS

lcomas@chu-besancon.fr 0381218477 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.