Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

DOTATATE PET for Meningioma Radiation Planning

This study is investigating a new type of scan called a DOTATATE PET scan for people who have meningioma. Meningiomas are usually non-cancerous tumours that grow on the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. Currently, doctors use MRI scans to see these tumours. The DOTATATE PET scan uses a special substance that specifically attaches to meningioma cells, but not to healthy brain tissue. This means it might be better at showing exactly where the tumour is. The main goal of this study is to compare how doctors plan radiation treatment for meningioma when using the DOTATATE PET scan alongside standard methods, versus using standard methods alone. The hope is that this new scan could lead to more precise radiation treatment, reducing harm to healthy areas and improving outcomes.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

British Columbia Cancer Agency

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Meningioma

What is this study about?

This research study is focused on improving how doctors plan radiation treatment for a type of brain tumour called meningioma. Meningiomas usually grow slowly and are often not cancerous, but they can still cause problems depending on where they are located. When doctors decide on radiation treatment, they need to know the exact shape and size of the tumour to target it as precisely as possible, while protecting the healthy brain tissue around it.

Currently, the main way doctors see these tumours is using MRI scans. This study is exploring a new type of imaging called a DOTATATE PET scan. This scan uses a very tiny amount of a special substance (called 68Ga-DOTATATE) that attaches specifically to meningioma cells. Think of it like a special dye that only sticks to the tumour, making it light up on the scan. Because this substance doesn't stick to healthy brain tissue, the DOTATATE PET scan might be better at showing the clear edges of the tumour, even small parts that might be missed by other scans.

The main aim of this study is to see if using the DOTATATE PET scan helps doctors plan radiation therapy more effectively. By getting a clearer picture of the tumour, doctors might be able to target the treatment more accurately. This could mean they are less likely to miss parts of the tumour, can give a stronger dose to the tumour itself if needed, and importantly, can reduce the amount of radiation that reaches healthy parts of your brain or other important areas. The study will compare treatment plans made with and without the information from the DOTATATE PET scan.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new scan (DOTATATE PET) for planning meningioma radiation.
The scan aims to provide clearer images of the tumour than standard MRI.
Better images could lead to more accurate radiation treatment, protecting healthy brain tissue.
Participation involves having an additional DOTATATE PET scan.
The study helps improve future treatment for people with meningioma.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must have a meningioma that either needs radiation treatment for the first time, or you've had surgery for a meningioma and now need radiation to make sure all tumour cells are gone. It's important that you haven't had any radiation therapy or other specific medical treatments for your tumour yet.

You also need to be able to follow the study instructions and be willing to participate. This includes being able to lie still for the scans and being happy to give your permission to be part of the research.

However, you won't be able to join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you get very anxious in enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) and can't lie still for the scans. You also can't take part if you're unable or unwilling to give your consent to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a meningioma that needs radiation treatment?
Have you NOT had radiation or specific medical treatments for this tumour before?
Are you able to lie still for scans and follow study instructions?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll be doing is having a DOTATATE PET scan. This is an additional scan that isn't usually part of routine care for meningioma. You'll go through the normal process of planning your radiation treatment, and doctors will create one treatment plan using the standard scans (like MRI). Then, they will also use the information from your DOTATATE PET scan to create a second, separate treatment plan. The study will then compare these two plans to see how they differ.

You won't be given any new medications specifically for this study, and you won't undergo any new surgical procedures. Your actual radiation treatment will be decided by your doctor based on what they think is best for you, taking into account all the information available, including the insights from this research. The total duration of your active involvement in the study itself is likely to be focused around when you have your scans and treatment planning. You can also withdraw from the study at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to medical knowledge that could improve future radiation treatment for meningioma, potentially leading to more targeted and effective treatment with fewer side effects for others. For you personally, the information from the DOTATATE PET scan might help your doctors refine your radiation plan, potentially making it more precise, though this is what the study is designed to investigate. Potential risks are generally low, primarily related to the DOTATATE PET scan itself, which involves a small amount of radiation exposure, similar to other diagnostic scans. There's also the inconvenience of additional appointments for the scan. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

BC Cancer - Vancouver
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is a meningioma?

A meningioma is a type of tumour that grows from the protective layers (meninges) that surround your brain and spinal cord. They are often not cancerous and grow slowly.

What is a DOTATATE PET scan?

It's a special imaging test that uses a small amount of a safe, mildly radioactive substance. This substance specifically attaches to meningioma cells, helping doctors see the tumour more clearly than other scans.

Will this scan change my usual treatment?

The study is comparing different ways to plan treatment. Your doctors will still make the best treatment choice for you based on all available information, but the study might help them make that plan even more precise.

Are there any side effects from the DOTATATE PET scan?

The DOTATATE PET scan involves a small amount of radiation, similar to other common diagnostic scans. Side effects are usually very rare and mild.

How long will I be in the study?

Your active involvement will mainly be around the time of your scan and treatment planning. The exact timeframe will be discussed with you by the research team.

How to find out more

Sandy Chang

sandy.chang@bccancer.bc.ca 6048776000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.