Using a new imaging agent to detect neuroendocrine tumors

61Cu-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT for the Detection of Neuroendocrine Tumors: The COPPER PET in NET Study A Prospective, Open-label, Randomized, Controlled, Single Centre, Phase I/II PET/CT Study

PHASE1; PHASE2 · University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06455358

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

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment27 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Basel, Canton of Basel-City)
Trial IDNCT06455358 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a novel radiolabeled somatostatin receptor antagonist, 61Cu-NODAGA-LM3, for PET/CT imaging in patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. The study compares this new agent to the standard imaging method, 68Ga-DOTATOC, to determine its sensitivity and potential advantages in tumor detection. Participants will undergo imaging to assess the performance of 61Cu-NODAGA-LM3, which is expected to provide better image contrast and longer retention in tumors. The trial is conducted at the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with histologically confirmed well-differentiated bronchopulmonary or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors requiring PET/CT imaging.

Not a fit: Patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors or those not requiring somatostatin receptor imaging may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved detection and management of neuroendocrine tumors, enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of radiolabeled somatostatin analogues is established, the specific application of 61Cu-NODAGA-LM3 for this purpose is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent signed
* \>18 years old patients of either gender
* For women in child-bearing age: a negative pregnancy test is required
* Histologically proven well-differentiated bronchopulmonary (typical or atypical carcinoid) or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of all grade (including NET G3 with Ki-67 \<30 %)
* Clinical indication to somatostatin receptor (SST) PET/CT imaging for either primary staging, restaging, patient selection to Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy, treatment planning or treatment response assessment
* Standard of care 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT performed or planned within max. 4 weeks prior or after IMP-administration, as clinically indicated
* At least 3 lesions detected by the previous somatostatin receptor scan, or if 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT is negative, a positive NETest not older than 4 weeks should be available in 5 additional patients
* Estimated eGFR (CKD-EPI) ≥ 45 mL/min
* If applicable, the last regular somatostatin analogue injection should be administered 2 weeks +/- 1 week prior to SST PET scan for long acting release forms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known hypersensitivity to 61Cu, to NODAGA, to LM3 or to any of the excipients of 61Cu-NODAGA-LM3
* Prior or planned administration of a radiopharmaceutical within 8 half-lives of the radionuclide used on such radiopharmaceutical including at any time during the current study
* Initiation or continuation of active anti-tumor treatment between 61Cu-NODAGA-LM3 and 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT, except continuation of long acting somatostatin analogues
* Presence of active infection at screening or history of serious infection within the previous 6 weeks
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* History of somatic or psychiatric disease/condition that may interfere with the objectives and assessments of the study

Where this trial is running

Basel, Canton of Basel-City

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neuroendocrine Tumors, Radiolabeled somatostatin receptor ligands, SST PET/CT imaging, somatostatin receptor subtype 2, Tumor detection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.