Trial of a non-invasive endometriosis test raises hopes for faster diagnosis

Promising Non-Invasive Endometriosis Scan Shows Potential for Quicker Diagnoses

A recent trial has highlighted a non-invasive scan for endometriosis that may lead to faster diagnoses for those affected by the condition.

This study involved 19 women diagnosed with endometriosis. It indicated that an experimental radiotracer called maraciclatide could effectively “light up” areas of endometriosis during scans. Currently, the need for surgical investigations presents significant challenges for timely diagnosis, with women in England often waiting close to ten years.

Professor Krina Zondervan, who leads the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford and co-led the study, stated: “The most common type of endometriosis often goes undetected, forcing women to rely on invasive surgeries for diagnosis. If these promising results are validated in larger phase 3 trials, imaging with maraciclatide could revolutionize clinical practices and possibly enhance treatment options for women worldwide.”

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other areas, like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms include painful menstrual cycles, painful bowel movements, and discomfort during or after sex. This condition affects about one in ten women and can impact fertility. While treatments such as hormone therapy and surgery exist, the long wait times for a diagnosis remain a persistent issue.

Research by Endometriosis UK indicates that women in England currently face an average wait of approximately 9 years and 4 months for a diagnosis, which increases to 11 years for those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Recently, Wes Streeting, the health secretary, underscored this issue in the government’s updated Women’s Health Strategy.

Peritoneal endometriosis, the most common and earliest form of this condition, is often not detectable with standard imaging methods. Regular MRI scans typically only reveal structural changes associated with more severe forms of the disease.

The latest trial focused on a new radiotracer, maraciclatide, created by the UK-based firm Serac. This tracer is designed to latch onto tissue that is forming new blood vessels—a key characteristic of endometriosis.

Nineteen patients slated for laparoscopies for endometriosis received an infusion of the tracer before undergoing a Spect-CT scan. The results corresponded with the surgical diagnoses in 16 out of the 19 cases, with no false positives reported.

Serac plans to further verify these results in larger phase 3 studies. If proven effective, this minimally invasive scan could facilitate new treatment trials.

Dr. Tatjana Gibbons, the lead author of the study and a member of the NDWRH, noted: “These promising results suggest that maraciclatide could serve as a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool, particularly for superficial peritoneal endometriosis, which is the most common yet most challenging type to detect.”