A Phase II Study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, highlights the potential of a new molecular imaging agent, ‘99mTc-maraciclatide’, when used alongside a non-invasive scan to diagnose and monitor the development and treatment of Endometriosis.
The study, “Detecting Endometriosis Expressed Integrins using Technetium-99m (DETECT)”, is a collaboration between clinical radiopharmaceutical company, Serac Healthcare Ltd and the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health.
About the study
The study evaluated 19 individuals with suspected or confirmed pelvic or thoracic endometriosis. Participants underwent preoperative SPECT-CT imaging, a non-invasive scan, following intravenous administration of 99mTc-maraciclatide.
This imaging agent binds to αvβ3 integrins, which are upregulated during angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), a key feature of inflammatory diseases such as endometriosis. By visualising this process, the scan can detect areas of disease.
The study found that this non-invasive approach performed comparably to laparoscopic surgery in detecting endometriosis.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health website.