Ata Ur Rehman Maaz1, Jim O'Doherty2, Mehdi Djekidel3. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Sidra Medicine. 2. Senior Scientist/R&D Collaborations Manager. Siemens Healthineers. USA. 3. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Qatar.
Abstract
MIBG imaging has been the standard for neuroblastoma staging for many decades. Novel agents such as 18F DOPA and 68Ga DOTATATE are being used nowadays in academic centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, procurement of MIBG has proved particularly challenging, necessitating the use of 68Ga DOTATATE positron emission tomography. Methods: 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT imaging was carried out for staging of three pediatric patients with Neuroblastoma at our institution. A review of the literature was also completed. Results: 68Ga-DOTATATE is FDA approved for imaging of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT scans were successfully carried out in all patients. All patients showed DOTATATE avid disease. PET scans showed excellent spatial resolution and demonstrated high accuracy in concordance with current EANM guidelines. Conclusion: We have presented 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging believe it can be reliably used as an alternative to MIBG for staging of neuroblastoma. Its advantages include technical, clinical and practical advantages making it an attractive option. Further multicenter studies are required before it can be recommended for standard clinical use.
MIBG imaging has been the standard for neuroblastoma staging for many decades. Novel agents such as 18F DOPA and 68Ga DOTATATE are being used nowadays in academic centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, procurement of MIBG has proved particularly challenging, necessitating the use of 68Ga DOTATATE positron emission tomography. Methods:68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT imaging was carried out for staging of three pediatric patients with Neuroblastoma at our institution. A review of the literature was also completed. Results:68Ga-DOTATATE is FDA approved for imaging of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT scans were successfully carried out in all patients. All patients showed DOTATATEavid disease. PET scans showed excellent spatial resolution and demonstrated high accuracy in concordance with current EANM guidelines. Conclusion: We have presented 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging believe it can be reliably used as an alternative to MIBG for staging of neuroblastoma. Its advantages include technical, clinical and practical advantages making it an attractive option. Further multicenter studies are required before it can be recommended for standard clinical use.
Authors: Philip Deslarzes; Reza Djafarrian; Maurice Matter; Stefano La Rosa; Carole Gengler; Maja Beck-Popovic; Tobias Zingg Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-05-17 Impact factor: 3.569