High-Resolution PET-CT Imaging for Surgical Margin Visualization

This pilot study explores the use of high-resolution PET imaging to identify surgical margins in solid tumors after removal. It evaluates the feasibility and potential of using PET-CT to assess tumor specimens and ensures radiation safety with a low-dose 18-FDG injection (20% of the standard dose). Previous studies have shown good tumor visualization in breast, pancreatic, prostate, and head and neck tumors, supporting the method's proof-of-concept. This research aims to gather insights into its clinical usefulness across different cases

Inclusion criteria

• Biopsy confirmed diagnosis of any solid malignancy
• Diagnosis of any T stage, any subsite that are scheduled to undergo definitive en bloc surgical resection. Patients with recurrent disease or a new primary will be allowed.
• Planned standard of care oncologic surgery with curative intent
• Male or female patients age ≥ 18 years
• Have life expectancy of more than 12 weeks
• Karnofsky performance status of at least 70% or ECOG/Zubrod level 1
• Have acceptable glucose status (<200 mg/dL) at Day of Surgery prior to 18F-FDG injection

Exclusion criteria

• General or local contraindications for resective surgery
• Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Blood glucose level over 200 mg/dL prior to 18F-FDG infusion
• Any participation in other clinical trials or research study that involved a radiation exposure of more than 1 mSv in the past year. If the participant had radiation exposure greater than 1 mSv as SOC, they would not be excluded unless the Principal Investigator determines that patient could be at risk.