NCT03863457 · Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
[18F] F-GLN by PET/CT in Breast Cancer
([18F]F-GLN)
What this study is about
Patients with known or suspected primary or metastatic breast cancer with one lesion that is 1.0 cm in diameter or greater may be eligible for this study. Patients may participate in this study if they are at least 18 years of age. Up to 40 evaluable subjects will participate in a single imaging group of participants.
View original scientific description
Patients with known or suspected primary or metastatic breast cancer with one lesion that is 1.0 cm in diameter or greater may be eligible for this study. Patients may participate in this study if they are at least 18 years of age. Up to 40 evaluable subjects will participate in a single imaging cohort. Patients will be stratified for analysis by breast cancer subtype with prioritization to recruit at least 10 estrogen-receptor-expressing (ER+) and 10 triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). Participants may be treatment naïve or have received up to 3 weeks of treatment at the time of the \[18F\]F-Gln PET/CT scan. This is an observational study; \[18F\]F-GLN PET/CT will not be used to direct treatment decisions. While patients and referring physicians will not be blinded to the \[18F\]F-GLN PET/CT results, treatment decisions are made by the treating physicians based upon clinical criteria. \[18F\]F-GLN PET/CT imaging sessions will include an injection of \[18F\]F-GLN. Metabolism data will be collected. Pilot data will be collected to evaluate image quality and collect preliminary information on the uptake of \[18F\]F-GLN in breast cancer. Uptake measures will be compared to tumor markers of glutamine metabolism, when tissue is available. The safety of \[18F\]F-GLN will also be evaluated in all subjects.
Interventions
DRUG
Fluoroglutamine [18F]F-GLN
Evaluate the kinetics and biodistribution of \[18F\]F-GLN in primary and metastatic breast cancer.
Primary outcome measures
Kinetics and Biodistribution of [18F]F-GLN
Time frame: 3 years
Evaluate the biodistribution of \[18F\]F-GLN by measuring organ and whole body dosimetry.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants will be ≥ 18 years of age
- Known or suspected primary or metastatic breast cancer.
- At least one lesion ≥ 1.0 cm that is seen on standard imaging (e.g. CT, MRI, mammogram, ultrasound, FDG-PET/CT). Only one type of imaging is required to show a lesion.
- Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and be willing to provide written informed consent and participate in this study in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines prior to study-specific procedures.
Exclusion criteria
- Females who are pregnant or breast feeding at the time of screening; a urine pregnancy test will be performed in women of child-bearing potential at screening.
- Inability to tolerate imaging procedures in the opinion of an investigator or treating physician.
- Any current medical condition, illness, or disorder, as assessed by medical record review and/or self-reported, that is considered by a physician investigator to be a condition that could compromise participant safety or successful participation in the study.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations