RecruitingACTRN12626000587303

Using PET-CT imaging to explore new ways of identifying and monitoring endometriosis

REpurposing Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for the Diagnosis and Surveillance of Endometriosis: REPETE Human Pilot

Sponsor

Epworth HealthCare

Enrollment

12 participants

Start Date

Apr 24, 2026

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Endometriosis

Summary

Currently, endometriosis is diagnosed by invasive surgery (laparoscopically followed by histopathology), or severe disease may be detected by imaging modalities (ultrasound or MRI). No early, non-invasive diagnostic test exists for endometriosis. This prospective study aims to explore the use of fluoro-17beta-estradiol PET/CT imaging as a potential non-invasive, early diagnostic test for endometriosis relative to surgical/histological outcomes. We hypothesize that PET/CT imaging with fluoro-17beta-estradiol has potential application in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Eligibility

Sex: FemalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 45 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria6

Patients scheduled to undergo surgery for suspected endometriosis.
Aged between 18 – 45 years
Clinically suspected of having endometriosis, with pelvic imaging (high quality transvaginal U/S or MRI) suggestive of disease.
A prior surgery for endometriosis is not exclusionary, however, the participant must have imaging consistent with current disease in situ.
Planned for a laparoscopy (± hysterectomy) to treat endometriosis at Epworth.
Patients who are suppressing their menstrual cycle with hormone contraceptives are eligible (with capped recruitment in this group to a maximum of 8 participants).

Exclusion Criteria10

Unwilling or unable to provide informed consent
Inability to comply with protocol
Contraindications to PET or CT including allergy to any of the protocol medications
Severe claustrophobia not amenable to medical management
Malignancy or suspected malignancy
History of radiation therapy or exposure to other high amounts of radiation
Premenarchal
Post-menopausal
Pregnant or trying to conceive during the study period
Breastfeeding

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Interventions

The intervention is a single dose of 1 MBq per kilogram of Fluoro-17beta-estradiol (FES) followed by a 10 minute dynamic PET/CT scan performed using the Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT scanner.

The intervention is a single dose of 1 MBq per kilogram of Fluoro-17beta-estradiol (FES) followed by a 10 minute dynamic PET/CT scan performed using the Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT scanner. The PET/CT scan will take place at Melbourne Theranostic Innovation Centre (MTIC). The scan will be done within approx. 3 months prior to surgery. The single dose of FES will be administered intravenously via a cannula by the MTIC staff prior to the PET/CT scan.