Neuroendocrine tumors present very distinct behaviors and therefore receive different prognoses and therapies. They are treated based on their origin in the body, grading, and staging. Sometimes clinical decision making becomes a challenge for physicians when they are trying to determine an appropriate treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors. But with molecular imaging, the care for these patients can be improved significantly.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is commonly used in oncology to detect cancer. Usually, PET uses radionuclide 18F-labelled deoxyglucose (FDG) to detect various forms of cancer. But FDG does not detect most of the carcinoid tumors effectively, except for those with low differentiation and high proliferative activity. To help detect carcinoid tumors, specialists use the 68Ga-DOTA-TOC radionuclide with PET.

Here are facts about Dotatate PET scan in neuroendocrine and carcinoid tumors diagnosis:

• The Dotatate attaches itself to neuroendocrine tumors for clear imaging on the PET scanner and shows up on the image as bright sports.

• A Dotatate PET scan helps to evaluate neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that occur throughout the body.

• The 68Ga-DOTA-TOC is effective when used to detect carcinoid tumors that are greater than 0.5 cm.

Physicians use Dotatate scans to:

• Detect and diagnose neuroendocrine tumors

• Stage the tumors

• Monitor treatment progress

• Find recurrent tumors

Molecular imaging impacts patient management and spares patients incorrect diagnosis. Neuroendocrine tumors are known for their slow growth and PET imaging using gallium-68 DOTATATE can help detect the tumors and guide therapy in each patient. It will also affect the decisions of physicians on ways of treating their patients.