Clinical impact of Ga⁶⁸-DOTATOC PET/CT on neuroendocrine tumors. A preliminary experience

Ga-68-DOTATOC PET/CT is a recently introduced imaging technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of neuroendocrine tumors. A prospective observational study was conducted in seven patients who underwent a Ga-68-DOTATOC PET/CT study. They were suspected of active neuroendocrine tumor lesions, either on initial diagnosis or as a possible recurrence and/or progression of already known tumors. The results of prior imaging studies (MRI, thoracoabdominal CT scan, octreotide...), had been negative or inconclusive. All positive Ga-68-DOTATOC PETs were true positives, confirmed by pathological examination. There were no false positive results. Only one false negative result was found. Ga-68-DOTATOC PET/CC is more sensitive and specific for the detection of primary neuroendocrine tumor lesions, allows for a more complete extension study, and detects recurrences in earlier stages, conditioning changes in staging and surgical treatment. It provides additional information on somatostatin receptor overexpression, which is essential for the indication of PRRT (peptide receptor radionuclide therapy) with Lu¹⁷⁷ dotatate.