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CLINICAL STUDY · NCT07876648

Prospective Trial of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 for PET Imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein in Patients With Endometriosis

RecruitingNot applicableInterventional

Sponsored by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Condition
Endometriosis, Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis, Women, Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis, Fibrosis
Study locations
1 reported site
Study updated
19 Oct 2026
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov

Overall study status is shown above. Individual hospitals may have a different recruitment status.

THE STUDY

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT can help detect endometriosis in adult women who are already scheduled for laparoscopy due to suspicion of deep infiltrating endometriosis or superficial peritoneal endometriosis. The main aims are: (i) How well does \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT identify endometriosis lesions compared with findings during laparoscopy? (ii) Can PET/CT identify additional lesions that may not be seen on ultrasound or MRI? (iii) Can ultra-high-resolution NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT improve the detection of small lesions compared with standard PET/CT? Participants will: (i) Receive an intravenous injection of \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 followed by a PET/CT scan before their planned laparoscopy. (ii) Undergo their planned laparoscopy, during which PET findings will be compared with the surgical findings and where tissue is removed with laboratory analysis. (iii) Optionally undergo an additional NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT scan after the same tracer injection. (iv) Optionally undergo a second \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT if participants started gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment after their first scan to investigate whether tracer uptake in endometriosis lesions changes during treatment.

PARTICIPATION

Who may participate

Minimum age
18 Years
Maximum age
64 Years
Sex eligibility
Female
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted

Only the study team can confirm eligibility. The registry criteria below are not a medical recommendation.

Full inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Voluntary written informed consent of the participant has been obtained prior to any screening procedures.
* At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF).
* At least one of the following to be eligible for the DE cohort: (i) Clinical suspicion of DE, defined as the presence of deep nodule(s) during vaginal examination determined by a clinician who is an expert in endometriosis. (ii) Diagnostic suspicion of DE, defined as an ultrasound and/or MRI that shows lesions suspicious for DE.
* At least one of the following to be eligible for the SPE cohort: (i) Clinical suspicion of SPE, defined as clinical symptoms suspicious of SPE determined by a clinician who is an expert in endometriosis. These clinical symptoms include dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia, painful rectal bleeding or haematuria, shoulder tip pain, catamenial pneumothorax, cyclical cough/haemoptysis/chest pain, cyclical scar swelling and pain, fatigue, and infertility. (ii) Diagnostic suspicion of SPE, defined as an ultrasound and/or MRI that shows lesions suspicious for SPE.
* Planned laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* For SPE cohort: (i) Ultrasound and/or MRI with lesions suspicious of ovarian endometriosis and/or DE. (ii) Clinical symptoms suspicious of ovarian endometriosis and/or DE, determined by a clinician who is an expert in endometriosis.
* Prior abdominal surgery less than one year ago.
* Female who is pregnant, breastfeeding or is of childbearing potential and not using an adequate, highly effective contraceptive or no usage of contraception when sexually active are not accepted.
* Participant is mentally or legally incapacitated, does not understand the study design or is not willing or capable to undergo all study-specific procedures.
* Any disorder or condition, which in the Investigator's opinion might jeopardise the participant's safety or compliance with the protocol, or may influence the result of the study.
* Any prior or concomitant treatment(s) that might jeopardise the participant's safety or that would compromise the integrity of the Trial.
* Participation in an interventional Trial with an investigational medicinal product (IMP) or device when the trial designs are not considered compatible by the study team.
* Participation in a clinical scientific study in the last 12 months with a radiation exposure caused by the experimental procedures greater than 1 mSv.
* Participant has a known hypersensitivity to \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 or the used excipients.

NEAR YOU

Study locations worldwide

1 site

Check the individual site’s status and contact the listed study team for current availability.

WHAT IS BEING STUDIED

Treatments and study groups

Interventions

[18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CTDiagnostic test
A \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT will be performed at UZ Leuven before the participant's planned laparoscopy. Participants are required to fast for 4 hours before tracer administration but water is allowed. An intravenous line will be placed and \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 will be administered in one bolus (3.5 MBq/kg). PET/CT acquisition will start after 60 minutes. The CT will be a low dose CT with oral contrast. If there are no contraindications, 20 mg Buscopan may be administered shortly before imaging to reduce bowel movement.

Participants may optionally undergo an additional NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT scan on the same day after the same \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 administration, so no second tracer injection is required. Participants who start treatment with a GnRH (ant)agonist after their first scan may undergo a second \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT to investigate changes in tracer uptake during hormonal treatment. Participants will be monitored for adverse events related to study procedures.

Study groups: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE)

[18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CTDiagnostic test
A \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT will be performed at UZ Leuven before the participant's planned laparoscopy. Participants are required to fast for 4 hours before tracer administration but water is allowed. An intravenous line will be placed and \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 will be administered in one bolus (3.5 MBq/kg). PET/CT acquisition will start after 60 minutes. The CT will be a low dose CT with oral contrast. If there are no contraindications, 20 mg Buscopan may be administered shortly before imaging to reduce bowel movement.

Participants may optionally undergo an additional NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT scan on the same day after the same \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 administration, so no second tracer injection is required. Participants will be monitored for adverse events related to study procedures.

Study groups: Superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE)

Study groups

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE)Experimental
Not reported.

Interventions: Diagnostic Test: [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT

Superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE)Experimental
Not reported.

Interventions: Diagnostic Test: [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT

RESEARCH DETAILS

Study design

Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Diagnostic
Allocation
Non randomized
Study model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
64 participants · Estimated

Study model details

Prospective, non-randomized, single center, multi-cohort, interventional phase II trial.

The two cohorts include: deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE) and superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE).

TIMELINE & MEASURES

Dates and outcomes

Study started
30 Sep 2026 · Actual
Primary completion
31 Aug 2029 · Estimated
Study completion
31 Aug 2029 · Estimated
First registered
15 Oct 2026 · Actual
Last registry update
19 Oct 2026 · Actual
Status last verified
Oct 2026
Primary outcomes (2)

Evaluate diagnostic performance of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT as a non-invasive tool to diagnose deep infiltrating endometriosis and/or superficial peritoneal endometriosis, in comparison with laparoscopic findings in women with suspected endometriosis

Correlating the locations of endometriotic lesions on \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT and the locations of endometriotic lesions detected during laparoscopy.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Frequency of serious adverse device effects (SADEs) related to NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT

The number of participants experiencing one or more serious adverse device effects (SADEs) during NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT will be recorded.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT)

Secondary outcomes (15)

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT for detecting endometriosis

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy of \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT in detecting endometriotic lesions using laparoscopic findings as the reference standard.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Semi-quantitative uptake measurements

Semi-quantitative uptake measurements (maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), average SUV (SUVmean), peak SUV (SUVpeak) of endometriotic lesions on \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Lesion-to-background uptake values

Endometriotic lesion-to-background uptake values (SUV lesion divided by SUV background) for \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT, using following background organs: liver, lung, gluteus muscle, mediastinal bloodpool, bowel, bone marrow (L4 if no abnormal uptake).

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

FAP-positive endometriotic burden

Total FAP-positive endometriotic burden, defined as the sum of the volumes of all lesions deemed to be endometriotic in nature.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Additional lesions after unblinding

Number of additional endometriotic lesions recorded after unblinding of the surgeon during laparoscopy.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of MRI for detecting endometriosis

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI in detecting endometriotic lesions, in patients in which MRI is available, and comparison with \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT, laparoscopy and if available ultrasound.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of ultrasound for detecting endometriosis

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of ultrasound in detecting endometriotic lesions, in patients in which ultrasound is available, and comparison with \[ 18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT, laparoscopy and if available MRI.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Number of participants with a change in clinical management following review of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT findings

The number and proportion of participants with a change in planned clinical management attributable to the \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT findings, as documented by the treating clinical team, will be recorded. The type of management change will also be documented.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Patient-reported responses to a study-specific questionnaire on the psychological impact of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT

Psychological impact of the \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT procedure will be assessed using a study-specific questionnaire completed before and after the scan procedure. The questionnaire evaluates e.g. anxiety, concerns about the procedure, discomfort, or personnel. Responses will be scored according to the predefined questionnaire scoring system.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Intra- and interreader agreement for detection and localization of endometriosis lesions on [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT

Two PET readers will independently identify and localize suspicious endometriosis lesions on \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT. Intra- and interobserver agreement will be determined using the GWET agreement coefficient (AC) or intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Adverse events

Adverse events associated with \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT.

Time frame: From tracer administration until 30 days after tracer administration

FAP IHC correlation

Correlation of \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 biodistribution with FAP tissue expression as measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Change in [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT findings after initiation of GnRH therapy

Evolution of \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT scans in patients initiating GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist medication and receiving 2 \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT (prior and post initiation of GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist medication): (i) number of lesion; (ii) uptake; (iii) endometriotic lesion-to-background value; (iv) correlation with laparoscopy and if available MRI and/or ultrasound.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

Frequency of adverse device effects (ADEs) associated with NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT

The number of participants experiencing one or more adverse device effects (ADEs) during NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT will be recorded.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT)

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) to capture the perspective and satisfaction of the NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) to capture the perspective and satisfaction of the NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT. This will be scored on a 0-10 Likert scale on the dimensions of "Investigation smoothness", "satisfaction with the scanning procedure" and "comfortable positioning during the examination".

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT)

Other outcomes (1)

Number of endometriotic lesions detected on NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT compared with standard [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT

The number of endometriotic lesions detected on NeuroEXPLORER PET/CT will be compared with the number detected on the corresponding standard \[18F\]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT acquisition obtained after the same tracer injection. Results will be summarized descriptively.

Time frame: From enrollment until laparoscopy (up to 1 month after the last [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 PET/CT)

STUDY TEAM

Sponsor and contacts

Lead sponsor
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Sponsor type
Other
Collaborators
Not reported
Organisation study ID
S71544

Central study contacts

Niloefar Ahmadi BidakhvidiContactPhone: +3216343715Email: niloefar.ahmadibidakhvidi@uzleuven.be
Elena Lara JimenezContactEmail: elena.larajimenez@uzleuven.be

Contacts are provided by the registry for study enquiries. Do not use these details for marketing or promotions.

FURTHER READING

Results, documents and references

No results are posted in this registry record

This does not mean the study has no findings. Results may not yet have been submitted or published here.

Available documents

  • Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan — 9 Jul 2026

Open and download documents on the official record ↗

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data fetched 20 Oct 2026, 15:02 GMT+0530

Registry data timestamp: 2026-10-19T09:00:04

Registry content is reformatted for readability; original study text is not rewritten. Missing information is labelled “Not reported”. Records are supplied by study sponsors or investigators and can change.

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