Variability of 68Ga-DOTATATE Uptake on PET/CT Among Different Neuroendocrine Tumor Grades

Purpose: Variability of 68Ga-DOTATATE Uptake on PET/CT Among Different Neuroendocrine Tumor Grades Objectives: 1. To understand the biological properties of neuroendocrine tumors (NET). 2. To understand the physical and biological characteristics of 68Ga-DOTATATE for the evaluation of NET. 3. To describe the variability in uptake of 68Ga-DOTATATE in intermediate and high-grade NET and compare this to low-grade NET. Methods: 68Ga-DOTATATE has been FDA approved and currently available in multiple centers across the USA for clinical use in patients with NET. It is well recognized that somatostatin receptor analogues localize to neuroendocrine tumors, yet the process is not simple. Grade and differentiation of the neuroendocrine tumor affects the 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake and understanding that relation is important when reviewing cases. Results: 1. Introduction to NET i. Biological properties ii. Utilization of somatostatin receptors in nuclear imaging 2. Introduction to 68Ga-DOTATATE i. Physical and biological characteristics ii. Principles highlighting its value as first-line radiopharmaceutical for NET 3. Imaging of intermediate and high-grade NET i. Pathologic features that differentiate intermediate and high-grade NET ii. Representative case examples of intermediate and high-grade NET with comparisons drawn to low-grade NET Conclusions: 68Ga-DOTATATE is becoming a key component of the workup and management of patients with NET. Understanding the biological variability of NET and its effect on 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake is critical in the management of these patients. This exhibit will be an image heavy review of the properties and variability of 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake in intermediate and high grade Net.