Using advanced imaging to detect neuroendocrine tumors

Evaluation of the Safety and Sensitivity of 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for Imaging NET Patients

British Columbia Cancer Agency · NCT03583528

This study is testing a new type of PET/CT scan to see if it can better detect neuroendocrine tumors compared to the standard scan.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorBritish Columbia Cancer Agency (other)
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT03583528 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of 68Gallium-DOTATOC PET/CT imaging in detecting neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) compared to standard imaging techniques. Participants will undergo two PET/CT scans: one with the experimental 68Ga-DOTATOC tracer and another with the standard 18F-FDG tracer. The study aims to assess the safety and sensitivity of the new imaging method in identifying tumors that over-express somatostatin receptors. Follow-up assessments will track patient outcomes and any adverse events for up to three years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with neuroendocrine tumors or other tumors that may over-express somatostatin receptors and require imaging for staging or re-staging.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or medically unstable may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this imaging technique could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of neuroendocrine tumors, improving patient management and treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar imaging techniques have been explored, the specific use of 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for NETs is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All subjects:

* World health organization performance status 0-2
* Able to provide written informed consent/assent (or consent by guardian for subjects \<19 years)
* Patients must be able to tolerate the physical/logistical requirements of completing a PET scan including lying flat for up to 30 minutes and tolerating intravenous cannulation for injection.

Patients must require imaging for either staging or re-staging of:

* Gastroenteropancreatic tumors (e.g. carcinoids, gastrinoma, insulinoma, glucagonoma, VIPoma, etc.), functioning and non-functioning
* Sympathoadrenal system tumors (phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma)
* Medullary thyroid carcinoma
* Pituitary adenoma
* Medulloblastoma
* Merkel cell carcinoma
* Small-cell lung cancer (mainly primary tumors)
* Meningioma
* Or any other NET / with potential for overexpression of SSTR

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Patients who are medically unstable ex: acute cardiac or respiratory distress, hypotensive
* Patients who exceed the safe weight limit of the PET/CT bed (204.5 kg) or who cannot fit through the PET/CT bore (diameter 70cm).

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

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, Insulinoma, Gastrinoma, Glucagonoma, Vipoma, Pheochromocytoma, Paraganglioma, Neuroblastoma

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.