Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Comparison of [68Ga]DOTATATE and [18F]AmBF3TATE for the Staging and Assessment of Neuroendocrine Malignancies

This study is looking at advanced scans, called PET/CT scans, used to find and check on neuroendocrine tumours, or NETs. These tumours can grow slowly or quickly, and finding them accurately helps doctors decide on the best treatment. NET cells often have special 'docking stations' called somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on their surface, which specific scan 'tracers' can attach to. The current standard scan uses a tracer called 68Ga-DOTATATE. This study wants to see if a newer tracer, 18F-AmBF3-TATE, is just as good, or even better, at finding these tumours. Researchers will compare how well both scans spot the tumours, how many spots they find, the quality of the pictures, and if they are safe to use. The aim is to improve how we check on these types of cancer.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

British Columbia Cancer Agency

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Neuroendocrine Tumors, NET Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma SSTR-expressing Tumors Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

What is this study about?

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are unusual growths that can appear in different parts of the body. While they often grow slowly, some can be more aggressive and harder to treat. To help doctors understand where these tumours are and how extensive they are, special scans are used.

These tumours often have unique 'docking stations' on their surface, called somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). Think of these like specific locks on the tumour cells. For doctors to see these tumours clearly on a scan, they use a special liquid, called a 'tracer.' This tracer acts like a 'key' that fits into these locks, making the tumour light up on the scan image. The current standard tracer used in many places, including BC Cancer, is called 68Ga-DOTATATE.

This study aims to compare the standard 68Ga-DOTATATE tracer with a newer one called 18F-AmBF3-TATE. The newer tracer has already been shown to be safe in earlier tests. Researchers want to see if the new tracer can find NETs just as well, if not better, count how many spots are found, provide clear images, and be just as safe as the current standard. By comparing these two tracers, the goal is to make sure patients are getting the most accurate and helpful scans possible to guide their care.

Key takeaways

This study compares two types of scans for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
It aims to find out if a new scan method is as good as the current standard.
The scans use special 'tracers' to highlight tumour cells.
Participation involves having two different PET/CT scans.
The overall goal is to improve how NETs are detected and monitored.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must also be someone who has been referred for a standard PET/CT scan using 68Ga-DOTATATE because your doctors are looking into or already know you have a neuroendocrine tumour. This means you meet the usual criteria set by the hospital for this type of scan.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable. Also, if you wouldn't be able or willing to have a second PET/CT scan, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Finally, the scanning equipment has certain limits. If your weight is over 204.5 kg (about 32 stone) or if you can't comfortably fit into the scan machine (which has an opening of 70cm in diameter), you wouldn't be able to join the study for safety reasons.

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 at least 18 years old?
Have you been referred for a PET/CT scan for a suspected or known neuroendocrine tumour?
Are you able and willing to have two PET/CT scans?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you meet the weight and size requirements for the scanning machine?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The specific details of what your participation would involve are not fully described in this summary. However, based on the information, it is likely that you would need to attend at least two PET/CT scan appointments. You would receive two different 'tracers' – one for each scan – and the timing of these scans would be discussed with you. The study aims to compare these two tracers, meaning you would have both types of scans. There would likely be some health checks before and after each scan to make sure you are well. The total duration of your participation would depend on the scheduling of these two scans and any follow-up assessments, but it would involve more than one hospital visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially receiving a cutting-edge scan that could provide clearer or more comprehensive information about your neuroendocrine tumour. However, there are also potential risks, such as exposure to a small amount of radiation from having two PET/CT scans instead of one, and the possibility of side effects from the tracers, although the newer tracer has been deemed safe in earlier tests. You might also experience discomfort from the scan procedure itself. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

BC Cancer Vancouver
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is a neuroendocrine tumour?

It's a type of growth that can develop anywhere in your body, often growing slowly, but sometimes more quickly.

What is a PET/CT scan?

It's a special type of scan that uses a small amount of a 'tracer' to create detailed pictures inside your body, helping doctors find and understand conditions like tumours.

Why are they using two different tracers?

The study wants to see if a newer tracer, 18F-AmBF3-TATE, is just as good or better than the standard one, 68Ga-DOTATATE, at spotting these tumours.

How will this help me?

If the new tracer is better, it could lead to more accurate scans in the future, ultimately helping doctors make better treatment plans for patients with NETs.

Are there any side effects from the tracers?

While the new tracer has been shown to be safe in earlier tests, all medical procedures have some risks. The study will monitor for any side effects, and you will be informed about them.

How to find out more

Research Project Manager

mitclinicaltrials@bccancer.bc.ca 604-675-8000 Official trial record

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