Breakthrough Imaging Technique Could Revolutionize Endometriosis Diagnosis Without Surgery

A new imaging technique for endometriosis has shown promising results in a recent clinical trial. Researchers from Serac Healthcare and the University of Oxford published findings in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, revealing that the method could improve diagnosis without surgery. The study highlights its potential to detect lesions that other scans often miss. The DETECT study tested ⁹⁹ᵐTc-maraciclatide, a gamma-emitting radiotracer developed by Serac Healthcare. This compound binds to αvβ3 integrin, a protein that increases during blood vessel formation in inflammatory conditions like endometriosis. The trial found that the imaging technique successfully identified lesions across all subtypes of the disease.

Results showed a strong match between the radiotracer’s uptake and surgical findings. In 16 out of 19 cases, the imaging correctly indicated whether endometriosis was present or absent. Among participants with surgically confirmed disease, the scan detected it in 14 out of 17 women. No false positives were reported, and patients tolerated the procedure well. Unlike conventional imaging, **⁹⁹ᵐTc-maraciclatide** picked up cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. The study suggests it could also help monitor disease progression and assess how patients respond to treatment. Researchers noted its particular effectiveness in detecting **superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE)**, a common but hard-to-spot form of the condition.

The findings point to a potential shift in how endometriosis is diagnosed. If approved, this non-invasive method could reduce reliance on surgery for confirmation. The next steps will likely involve larger trials to confirm its accuracy and practical use in clinical settings.