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NCT Number: NCT07301814

Clinical Application of PET Imaging Targeting CLDN18.2 in Malignant Tumors

The project aims to perform integrated PET/MR or PET/CT imaging in patients with histologically confirmed or clinically suspected gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or other malignant tumors with high Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) expression, as well as healthy volunteers. This study utilizes a CLDN18.2-specific PET imaging probe (e.g., [^68Ga]Ga-labeled humanized antibody fragment) to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and clinical value of non-invasive, in vivo CLDN18.2 visualization.

For patients with malignant tumors, the study will assess the diagnostic performance of CLDN18.2-targeted PET in identifying tumor lesions, compare the imaging results with gold-standard histopathology, determine the location, extent, and metabolic features of CLDN18.2-positive lesions, and evaluate tumor burden and treatment stratification value compared with [^18F]FDG PET imaging. These results may assist in patient selection for CLDN18.2-targeted therapies (e.g., Zolbetuximab), guide clinical decision-making, and provide early prediction of therapeutic response.

For healthy volunteers, pharmacokinetic profiling will be conducted to investigate the biodistribution, clearance, and safety of the radiotracer in vivo.

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Key information

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Each participant must meet all inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate in the study:
  • The participant or their legal representative is able to sign the informed consent form with signature and date;
  • Commit to adhering to the research procedures and cooperating in the implementation of the entire research process;
  • Adult patients or healthy volunteers (aged 18-70 years), male or female;
  • Patients with malignant tumors such as gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer, esophageal cancer, etc., suspected or diagnosed clinically (supporting evidence includes serum tumor markers, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and other imaging data, as well as histopathological examination), and in good general condition;
  • Meet specific laboratory test results;
  • Women of childbearing age must use contraception for at least one month before screening and commit to using contraception throughout the study period and continuing it until the specified time after the study ends;
  • Other set inclusion criteria.

Exclusion criteria

  • All subjects who meet any exclusion criteria baseline will be excluded from the study:
  • Those unable to complete PET/MR or PET/CT scans (including those unable to lie flat, claustrophobia, radiation phobia, etc.);
  • Those with other comorbidities;
  • Patients known to be allergic to the targeted CLDN18.2 PET imaging agent or synthetic excipients; fasting blood glucose level exceeding 11.0 mmol/L before injection of 18F-FDG;
  • Those with a history of concomitant medication use;
  • Patients considered to have poor compliance by the researcher.

Treatment and study plan

Specific PET imaging agents targeting CLDN18.2

Diagnostic Test

The project aims to perform integrated PET/MR or PET/CT imaging in patients with histologically confirmed or clinically suspected gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or other malignant tumors with high Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) expression, as well as healthy volunteers. This study utilizes a CLDN18.2-specific PET imaging probe (e.g., [^68Ga]Ga-labeled humanized antibody fragment) to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and clinical value of non-invasive, in vivo CLDN18.2 visualization.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual and standardized uptake values assessment of lesions and biodistribution

    Time frame: 1 year

    At least two experienced nuclear medicine physicians will conduct a visual analysis using consensus reading. The standardized uptake value (SUV) of the tumor and organs will be measured after a semiquantitative analysis is performed for each case. The SUV ranges from 0 to infinity, and a higher score means a higher uptake of targeting CLDN18.2 nuclear probe by the tumor, which implies a greater threat of the tumor being malignant or a higher stage.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Radioactivity in the blood and urine samples

    Time frame: 1 year

    Blood samples were collected at 25 minutes, 55 minutes and 115 minutes after injection.

  2. Pathological sections of tumour tissue

    Time frame: 1 year

    The excised tumour tissue was taken for immunohistochemistry to verify its CLDN18.2 expression

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Xiaoli Lan, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

0086-027-83692633

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 24, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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