[18F]NOS PET/CT Scan for Neuroinflammation
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this research is to measure the extent of inflammation in the brain between different groups of participants using a radioactive tracer called \[18F\]NOS. A radioactive tracer is a type of imaging drug that is labeled with a radioactive tag and injected into the body. This study will see how the tracer is taken up in the brain using an imaging scan called Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography (PET/CT). Participants will undergo approximately 60 minutes of dynamic scanning of the brain starting at approximately the time of injection of \[18F\]NOS. Participants are required to have a brain MRI performed within 1 year prior to study enrollment, or if the subject has not had a brain MRI that is deemed acceptable for use for this study they will be asked to undergo a research brain MRI after they have consented for this study.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires participants with HIV to stay on a stable ART regimen (HIV treatment) and those with OUD to be on a stable dosage of OUD treatment for at least four weeks before the screening. The protocol does not specify other medication restrictions.
How does the [18F]NOS PET/CT scan differ from other treatments for neuroinflammation?
The [18F]NOS PET/CT scan is unique because it uses a radiolabeled tracer to specifically target and visualize inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a key enzyme involved in neuroinflammation, allowing for non-invasive imaging of inflammation in the brain. This approach is different from traditional treatments as it focuses on detecting and measuring inflammation rather than directly treating it.12345
Research Team
Jacob Dubroff, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with or without HIV and opioid use disorder (OUD). Participants must have stable health conditions, including a controlled viral load if HIV positive, and be on consistent OUD treatment if applicable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals over 350 lb, those with claustrophobia affecting scans, MRI contraindications like incompatible metal in the body, significant organ dysfunction, epilepsy/seizure disorders, severe head trauma history, certain psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia or active major depression with suicidal ideation are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Imaging
Participants undergo PET/CT imaging to measure neuroinflammation using [18F]NOS tracer
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after imaging
Treatment Details
Interventions
- [18F]NOS (Radioactive Tracer)
- FNOS (Radioactive Tracer)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Joan Lau
University of Pennsylvania
Chief Executive Officer since 2020
PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, MBA from the Wharton School of Business, BS in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Robert Iannone
University of Pennsylvania
Chief Medical Officer since 2019
MD from Yale University, MSCE from the University of Pennsylvania