New method to identify and diagnose tumors with somatostatin receptors

A Phase I/II Study of Gallium-68 HA-DOTATATE ([68]Ga-HA-DOTATATE) in Patients With Known or Suspected Somatostatin Receptor Positive Tumours

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional AHS Cancer Control Alberta · NCT03145857

This study is testing a new imaging agent to see if it can better detect certain tumors, especially neuroendocrine tumors, compared to the current standard method.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1534 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAHS Cancer Control Alberta Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT03145857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a new imaging agent, [68]Ga-HA-DOTATATE, for detecting somatostatin receptor positive tumors, particularly neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Participants will undergo PET/CT or PET/MRI scans to assess the uptake of this agent in their tumors. The study aims to demonstrate that [68]Ga-HA-DOTATATE is more accurate than the current standard imaging method, In-111 Octreotide scans. Safety evaluations will be conducted on the first 10 participants, while efficacy will be compared to standard imaging techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with known or suspected somatostatin receptor positive tumors such as neuroendocrine tumors, pheochromocytoma, or medullary thyroid cancer.

Not a fit: Patients without suspected somatostatin receptor positive tumors or those with an ECOG Performance Scale Score greater than 3 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of neuroendocrine tumors, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that similar imaging agents, like [68]Ga-DOTATATE, have been more effective than traditional methods, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Known or suspected somatostatin receptor positive tumour including, but not limited to, GNET, PNET, pulmonary NET, PRUNK NET, pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, medullary thyroid cancer, and medulloblastoma. A standard CT obtained within 6 months of enrolment is required. A standard MRI obtained within 6 months of enrolment is optional. Additional supporting evidence obtained within 12 months of enrolment may include: other standard imaging (In-111 octreotide (Octreoscan), \[18\]F-FDG PET, or \[18\]F-FDOPA PET); histopathology from surgery or biopsy; elevated biochemical markers (including Chromogranin A, 5-HIAA, insulin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), glucagon, gastrin, metanephrines, and/or others, as clinically indicated); and/or persistent carcinoid-like symptomology highly suspicious for the presence of NET even in absence of pathologic imaging findings by anatomic criteria;
2. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Scale Score ≤ 3 within 2 weeks of enrolment;
3. At least 14 years of age;
4. Able and willing to follow instructions and comply with the protocol;
5. Ability to provide written informed consent prior to participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to lie still for the entire imaging time (e.g. cough, severe arthritis, etc.);
2. Inability to complete the needed investigational and standard-of-care imaging examinations due to other reasons (severe claustrophobia, radiation phobia, etc.);
3. Any additional medical condition, serious inter-current illness or other extenuating circumstance that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may significantly interfere with study performance or interpretation;
4. Weight exceeding the PET/CT or PET/MR scanner limit;
5. Pregnancy;
6. Allergic reaction to DOTATATE or somatostatin analogues.

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neuroendocrine TumorsGallium-68Positron Emission Tomography68Ga-HA-DOTATATE
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.