68Ga-HA-DOTATATE PET/CT in Adults With Neuroendocrine Tumors
This research is investigating a new type of scan, called 68Ga-HA-DOTATATE PET/CT, for people who have or might have neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). NETs are unusual growths that can appear in different parts of the body. The main goal is to find out if this new scan is more effective at spotting these tumours than the standard scans currently used, such as CT, MRI, and other specialised scans. Researchers also want to see if it helps confirm NETs when other scans aren't clear, and if it's useful for keeping an eye on tumours that have been completely removed. This could potentially lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and better ways to track these conditions.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a group of unusual growths that can develop in various parts of your body. They are often tricky to diagnose and monitor. Currently, doctors use several different scans, like CT, MRI, and special nuclear medicine scans, to find these tumours and check how they are responding to treatment.
This study is looking at a new type of scan called 68Ga-HA-DOTATATE PET/CT. This scan uses a small amount of a special tracer that attaches to certain cells often found in NETs, making them light up on the scan. The purpose of this research is to see if this new scan is a better tool for diagnosing NETs and for keeping track of them over time, compared to the scans doctors use now. Researchers also want to see if it can help find NETs that are suspected but haven't been clearly seen on other scans, or to locate specific types of NETs like insulinoma or gastrinoma.
Ultimately, the hope is that this new scanning method could give doctors clearer and more accurate information about NETs. This could mean earlier diagnosis, more effective planning of treatments, and better monitoring for people living with these conditions. It's about finding the best way to see these tumours to help patients.
Key takeaways
- New scan (68Ga-HA-DOTATATE PET/CT) for neuroendocrine tumours.
- Aims to improve diagnosis and monitoring compared to standard scans.
- Open to adults (18+) with suspected or confirmed NETs.
- Involves an injection and a special scan.
- Participation might provide more information about your condition.
- You can leave the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. This study is open to both men and women. If you are a woman of childbearing age, a pregnancy test will be needed if it hasn't been at least 10 days since your last period.
You might be suitable if your doctors suspect you have a neuroendocrine tumour, perhaps because you have certain symptoms or your blood tests suggest it, or if you have already been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour confirmed by a biopsy.
However, you cannot join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are under 18 years old, or if you have had surgery in the area where your tumour might be located within the last two months.
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?
- Are you able to provide written consent?
- Do you have a suspected or confirmed neuroendocrine tumour?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Have you not had surgery in the area of interest in the last 2 months?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first need to carefully read and sign a consent form, making sure you understand everything. The main part of the study involves having the 68Ga-HA-DOTATATE PET/CT scan. This scan works by injecting a small amount of a special, harmless tracing substance into your vein. You'll then wait for a little while for it to travel through your body before having the scan itself. The scan is similar to a regular CT scan, where you lie on a bed that moves through a doughnut-shaped machine.
This study will compare the results of this new scan with the results of other scans you may have already had, or will have as part of your usual care (such as CT, MRI, or other special nuclear medicine scans). The total duration of your participation will depend on the schedule of your scans. The research team will explain exactly what's involved for you and how many visits you'll need to make.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Foothills Medical Center 1403 29 St NWVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What exactly is a neuroendocrine tumour (NET)?
NETs are unusual growths that start in special cells throughout the body called neuroendocrine cells. They can grow in many different organs, including the gut, pancreas, and lungs.
Why is this new scan being studied?
Doctors want to see if this new scan can find NETs more accurately or earlier than the scans currently used, and if it can help them understand your condition better.
Will this scan expose me to a lot of radiation?
The scan involves a small amount of radiation, similar to other medical imaging tests like a standard CT scan. The research team will explain the specific dose.
Do I have to stop my current treatment to join?
No, your regular medical care and treatments will generally continue as planned while you participate in the study. The study focuses on adding a new scan.
What happens to my scan results?
The results from your scans will be analysed by the research team to help them understand how well the new scan works. They will also be provided to your doctor to help in your care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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