Neuroendocrine Tumor Diagnosis and Management: 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the use of 68 Ga tetraazacyclododecanetetraacetic acid-DPhe1-Tyr3-octreotate (DOTATATE) PET/CT, a functional imaging modality for assessment of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It has become the preferred imaging modality for initial diagnosis, selection of patients for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and localization of unknown primary tumors. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline has added 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT as an appropriate test in the management of NETs.

CONCLUSION: In combination with FDG PET/CT, 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT can noninvasively assess tumor heterogeneity, especially in G2 and G3 NETs, for personalized management of patients.