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Ronny Allan
Cancer is a growth industry …literally! More people are being diagnosed than ever before. Fortunately, more people are surviving than ever before. This is against a backdrop of better awareness, better screening in the big population cancers, and to a certain extent better diagnostic tools, all of which is leading to earlier diagnosis.
So how does this affect Neuroendocrine Cancer?
According to the latest SEER database figures for Neuroendocrine Cancer, one reason for the 7 fold increase in incidence rates since the 1970s is all of those things above including better diagnostics. This has led to a revised set of epidemiological information in many countries that have made the effort to accurately update their cancer registries and there are consistent reports of incidence rates way beyond the recognised rare thresholds. Another piece of good news is that the increase in Neuroendocrine Cancer incidence is also due to earlier diagnosis.
To sum that up – Neuroendocrine Cancer is also a growth industry.
Better diagnostics
Combined with more awareness and education (including the important pathologists), more NETs than ever are being found, and many found earlier. However, it’s not party time yet because there remains far too many misdiagnoses due to the low population of the disease and the difficulty in diagnosing it. I want to focus on nuclear imaging (thus the title of the article). Whilst there are really important factors involved in a diagnosis, such as tumour and hormone markers, and biopsies (tissue is the issue), imaging is very frequently what triggers many deeper investigations to unearth a NET, i.e. if you can see it, you can normally detect it (whatever the ‘it’ is). And I include the widespread availability and increasing advances in endoscopy/ultrasounds/cameras which have also been instrumental in picking up many Gastrointestinal NETs.
Somatostatin Receptor PET/CT – What does it do? How does it work?
It comprises two main components – a PET scanning machine, and the use of a diagnostic imaging agent (see radioligand section below for further detail). The diagnostic imaging agent is a somatostatin analogue labelled radionuclide which is normally injected into the patient around one hour before the PET which is then used to see where the peptide/radionuclide mix ‘loiters’ i.e. where there are concentrations of somatostatin receptors (SSTR). The uptake can be at variable levels but they mostly look for ‘focal intense abnormality‘ of the type that is regularly found with NETs (but see pitfalls section below).
Fusion of functional scans (e.g. PET) and anatomical scans (e.g. CT/MRI)
Most PET machines have an inbuilt CT (or much less frequently, a built in MRI) which forms part of the scan but normally only the somatostatin receptor tracer will be given. Your specialist is likely to show you the fused images of the PET and the CT as this provides both anatomical (CT) and functional (PET) view which is more efficient because the PET scan does not show ‘anatomical landmarks’. When you get the written report summarising the scan results, you may find some of the observations are written in the context of what was saw on the fusion view, i.e. a correlation of both. Many measurements of tumours will have been taken from the CT rather than the PET which is in effect a ‘glow’. Many people assume that the SSTR sees everything – it doesn’t and it’s more likely to over-report (i.e. physiologic uptake – see pitfalls section below) – the CT remains a double check and is better at sizing tumours that can be seen.
The advantage of scan fusion is obvious and works both ways, i.e. subtle findings on a PET that might otherwise be disregarded or interpreted as physiologic variants, may lead to detection of a malignant process after being correlated with simultaneously acquired CT. Alternatively, equivocal CT findings, which could represent malignant tumour, reactive changes, or fibrosis, can be clarified with the help of the additional metabolic information provided by concurrent PET.
Accurate interpretation of SSTR PET scans requires a thorough knowledge of the normal physiologic distribution of the associated radionuclide tracer to avoid to ensure the patient gets the right therapy moreover not to get unnecessary therapy. See also Pitfalls section below.
Radioligands
This is a new term which is being used as an overarching word for all types of imaging and therapeutic agents. A radioligand is made of two parts: a ligand, which can find cancer cells that have a particular surface molecule, i.e. in the case of most NETs, somatostatin receptors; the second part is the radioisotope, which emits therapeutic radiation to see cancer cells on the PET. Synonyms include radiopeptides, radio labelled somatostatin analogues, etc. Worth noting that the same radioligands in larger doses can be used for therapy, e.g. Peptide Receptor Radiotherapy (PRRT). This is known as a “Theranostic” aproach. Think of it as a ‘Find and Destroy’ mission (SSTR PET finds and indicates a therapeutic approach (e.g. PRRT) to destroy the cells is likely to work. You may also see the term Radioligand Therapy (RLT) which is a higher level description of PRRT.
There are many targeting agent variants but the most common currently are DOTATATE, DOTATOC and DOTANOC. Similarly there are many radioisotopes available, e.g. Ga68, Cu64. They are not automatically a mix and match pairing, some might have greater efficacy than others.
These newer agents have several benefits over the elderly In111-pentetreotide (Octreotide scan or Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy (SRS)), including improved detection sensitivity, improved patient convenience due to the 2-3 hour length of the study (compared to 2 or 3 days with Octreoscan), decreased radiation dose, decreased biliary excretion due to earlier imaging after radiotracer administration, and the ability to quantify uptake. The quantification of the uptake can help decide whether a patient is suitable for radionuclide therapy such as PRRT. Eventually, all Octreotide scans should be replaced with SSTR PET but it will take some time (and money). As at 2022, great progress is made to update the capabilities to SSTR PET using mode radioligands.
To confirm the advantages of SSTR PET over Octreotide scans, a study comprising 1,561 patients reported a change in tumour management occurred in over a third of patients after SSTR PET/CT even when performed after an Octreotide scan. Worth pointing out that SSTR PET is replacing the ageing Octreotide scan and not conventional imaging (CI). You can see the recommended scenarios for use of SSTR PET in this article published by the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
The Gallium 68 PET Scan
There’s a lot of excitement about the Gallium 68 PET Scan since it was approved by the US FDA (commercial name NETSPOT). It’s not new though and has been in use in several countries for some time. It’s a ‘nuclear scan’ and can often form part of what is known as a ‘Theranostic Pair’ (i.e. in conjunction with a therapy – read more here).
The slide below is interesting, although it was a small study. However, and as an example of the most common type of SSTR PET/CT configuration, you can see the treatment changes as a result of a Ga68 PET are quite striking.
And there’s a new kid on the blog – the Cu64 DOTATATE PET/CT
Read more here or click on the picture. In USA, the commercial name is Detectnet. 
Any pitfalls with SSTR PET/CT Scans?
When you look at the study data above, it looks like an excellent addition to the diagnostic and surveillance toolkit for NETs. However, one of the challenges with modern scanning equipment and techniques is the ability to correctly interpret the results – in my opinion, this is almost as important as the efficiency of the machines and radionuclides. This requirement has been acknowledged in many articles and I particularly like this technical paper from a very experienced nuclear medicine physician Professor Michael Hofman from the Centre for Cancer Imaging at the Peter MacCallum Cancer in Melbourne. I had a chat with Professor Hofman who added that this is a very sensitive scan, so often picks up “new” disease, which isn’t really new, just never identifiable on standard imaging. However, there’s an excellent section on pitfalls in interpretation and I’m quoting an abstract below. Although this document is mainly talking about Ga68 PET/CT for NETs, the majority of these pitfalls will generally apply to most SSTR PETs
“Although GaTate PET/CT is a highly sensitive and specific technique for NETs, the attending physician or radiologist must be aware of various physiologic and other pathologic processes in which cellular expression of SSTR can result in interpretative error. Most of these processes demonstrate low-intensity and/or nonfocal uptake, in contrast with the focal intense abnormality encountered in NETs. Causes of interpretative pitfalls include prominent pancreatic uncinate process activity, inflammation, osteoblastic activity (degenerative bone disease, fracture, vertebral hemangioma), splenunculi or splenosis, and benign meningioma. Moderately intense uptake is also seen in the liver, salivary glands, and thyroid gland.” and “The highest-intensity physiologic uptake of GaTate is seen in the spleen, followed by the adrenal glands, kidneys, and pituitary gland”
This has recently been reinforced in the latest set of guidelines published in February 2023 by The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) SNMMI Procedure Standard/EANM Practice Guideline for SSTR PET: Imaging Neuroendocrine Tumors (click blue link to read more)
It follows that failure to interpret nuclear scans alongside the patient’s clinical history can sometimes result in two big issues for patients:
1. Unnecessary worry when ‘something’ shows up which is actually a false positive.
2. Something which leads to irreversible treatment when it is was not required.
Just imagine something which is 40 times better than current PET scan technology? That’s what the scientists are working on now. Here’s an example called “EXPLORER“. You can update yourself here. The issue of interpretation will be even more difficult when the new generation of scans appear. There’s an excellent article from Cancer Research UK talking about the modern phenomenon called ‘overdiagnosis’ – read here
Short extract of interpretative pitfalls in this table:
Appropriate Use Criteria for Somatostatin Receptor PET Imaging in Neuroendocrine Tumours
I see many people complaining because they cannot get access to SSTR PET which is available through their healthcare system or local hospital. Many of these issues are insurance-based. Worth pointing out that there are actually recommended usages for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) PET e.g. Ga68, Cu64 – click here. For example, it is not recommended for routine surveillance in place of Conventional Imaging (CI).
Lanreotide/Octreotide and timing of the scan?
From the same technical document referred above, here’s an extract (updated to include Lanreotide). “Uptake at physiologic and pathologic sites may change in patients who undergo concomitant short- or long-acting somatostatin analog therapy, which competes with the radiotracer for bioavailability. We generally discontinue short-acting octreotide for 12–24 hours and perform imaging in the week before the next dose of long-acting Octreotide/*Lanreotide, which is typically administered monthly“. It’s actually the same text as found in the manufacturer’s drug leaflet (click here). More evidence behind the reason for this restriction is found here (please refer to the comments on Ga68 PET – the article also covers the issue of PRRT which is very interesting as a separate subject to the scan timings). There are no other restrictions on standard therapy for NETs.
*added by the author for completeness.
Dietary Restrictions and Preparation
There appears to be conflicting guidance issues by centres. However, other than drinking plenty of water there are no dietary restrictions or preparations for this scan, this appears common in the world’s most experienced PET centres. The main reason is that Ga68 is known to almost exclusively target somatostatin receptor 2A which is not affected by diet. This is confirmed in the manufacturer’s drug leaflet click here
Radiation safety after the scan
A frequently asked question is how safe am I after the scan. According to Royal Free London, one of the most experienced centres in the world, “the amount of radiation that you will receive from the scan is equivalent to seven years of background radiation. If you have any concerns about radiation you can ask to talk to a physicist or a doctor in the nuclear medicine department. There are no side-effects associated with the scan and once you finish your test you may resume normal activities, although we advise you not to spend prolonged time in close contact (<1m distance) with pregnant women or small children for six hours following your scan”. e.g. Read more of the Royal Free advice on Ga68 Dotatate by clicking here. Please note this advice may differ from hospital to hospital and from country to country. Always check with your own specialist or PET Centre.
Drug Insert Leaflets contain the official manufacturer’s guidance on this and other matters.
NETSPOT (US Ga68 Dotatate) – click here
Detectnet (US Cu64 Dotatate) – click here
Ga68 PET DOTATOC (US) – click here
Having my first SSTR PET Scan after 8 years of living with NETs?
When I was offered my very first Ga68 PET/CT at my recent 6 monthly surveillance meeting, I was both excited and apprehensive. I was diagnosed in 2010 and my staging was confirmed via an Octreotide Scan pointing out two further deposits (one of which has since been dealt with). I’ve had two further Octreotide Scans in 2011 and 2013 following 3 surgeries. The third octreotide scan in 2013 highlighted my thyroid lesion – still under a watch and wait regime. So far, my 6 monthly CT scans seemed to be adequate surveillance cover and my markers remain normal.
I’m apprehensive because of the ‘unknown’ factor with cancer – what is there lurking in my body that no-one knows about and which might never harm me.
I’m excited because it might just confirm that there is nothing new to worry about.
However, I’m both excited (morbidly) and apprehensive because the scan might find something potentially dangerous. As we know, NETs are mostly slow growing but always sneaky. That said, at least I will know and my medical team will know and be able to assess the risk and decide on a course of action.
Doing the Scan
On 5th June 2018, I attended a very experienced Ga68 PET establishment called Guys Cancer Centre in London. I arrived and was immediately taken under the wing of the nuclear medicine guys who asked me fairly in depth questions about my clinical background. They then inserted a cannula ready for the injection of the radiolabelled tracer. I was then installed in the ‘hot room’ where they injected the radionuclide tracer through the cannula and then I had to remain in the hot room for 1 hour to let the tracer circulate. After 1 hour, I was taken to the PET scanner and it took around 30-35 minutes. Following that I was allowed to leave for home. It was an extremely easy experience and a significant improvement on doing the 3 day Octreotide scan.
The Results of my Ga68 PET Scans – CLICK HERE
New PET findings after COVID-19 vaccination: Keep Calm and Carry On?
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.
Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional.
Please also note that mention of a clinical service, trial/study or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of that service, trial/study or therapy by Ronny Allan, the information is provided for education and awareness purposes and/or related to Ronny Allan’s own patient experience. This element of the disclaimer includes any complementary medicine, non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
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Dear fellow patient: while the NETSpot/Gallium-68 scan is extremely good, please understand that it is extremely expensive. I had it done recently and the bill was $29,807… that’s right, 30 THOUSAND dollars. Thank God I have decent health insurance and ended up paying about $1100 of it. But I think patients should be advised ahead of the time of the exorbitant price tag for this test.
many countries don’t pay as they have public healthcare systems? I guess you’re from US where healthcare seems extraordinary expensive?
I am, in Pennsylvania. It was quite a shock
I read an article about SUVmax percentage. It stated that uptake in NETs is often lower therefore it is important to “confirm” physiological status and yet most oncologists dismiss it. My question is why radiologists record it in your scan report? I recently had physiological uptake in the uncinate process of the pancreas and as your article mentions it has caused worry as the oncologist failed to mention it. Only the report revealed it so as any one would I researched it and came up with many studies like this one https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/27174220/?fbclid=IwAR3EGSRe6xeD_QKY_zM6JfoxWMLUxRxlhoMb997WW0aqMOfBraSLlfAzNGk that stated how important it is to follow it up. These mixed messages are really what brings NETs patients undone. We need one universal guideline!
thanks Judy – solid information on SUVmax is hard to come by, I suspect it’s one of those subjects which is not yet an exact science.
Hi Ronny. I had a Gallium 68 dotatate scan recently and it turned out to be inconclusive. The doctor stated that my lesion didn’t have somatastin receptors. The test is quite expensive so this was unfortunate. I thought all NETs had such receptors. Do you know what NETs of this type are called?
I take it that there is no test to determine if the expense of a dotatate scan is warranted.
I’m wondering if the lesion found may not be a NET after all, even though the colonoscopy biopsy (detected in terminal ileum, 1cm) indicated it was, however, all subsequent tests (CGA, 5-HIAA, etc.) have been negative and I’m unsymptomatic.
Are you aware of any other scan types that offer the resolution of a Gallium 68 PET scan, in order to find any secondary, small lesions?
Finally, lacking such receptors, I take it that promising treatments like PRRT aren’t appropriate for me. Are you aware of any treatments that might be worth reading about?
A 1cm tumor in the terminal ileum should be seen on CT. Most terminal ileum tumours should be somatostatin receptors positive. Roughly 20% of all NETs don’t have the working receptors. Most terminal ileum tumours can be treated with surgery. Perhaps they caught you really early while the receptors are still in an inactive state? So are they only suspecting this 1cm lesion so far?
Thanks for this interesting information. I have been recommended for this scan but, disappointingly (and because the NET team at the Royal Free is so good!) the wait is going to be “at least 12 weeks”. I see from your post that this also has to be timed around my Lanreotide jabs – so I’ve no idea where this leaves me (apart from limbo!!)
Hi Ronny, hope all went well and results will be good. Going up to Liverpool for my first one on 22 June with a view to having a course of PRRT treatment as there is still no news on Lutiteum for Coventry. Was diagnosed in 2001 and this will be my first treatment – apart from my Lanreotide injections every 21 days.
good luck with the scan. There is no news about PRRT, NICE will not make any announcement until at least 25 July and if it’s positive, I don’t see any rollout of PRRT facilities for some months after. I can still be gotten in several places though
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Good luck with your scan, I heard on Friday that I would be getting my second one towards the end of June, last one was Oct 2016. Following last weeks MDT PRRT in back on the table due to some progression, so hopefully the scan will confirm if now is the right time.
Take a good book for your isolation hour😉
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I can concur the discomfort of the octreotide scan. Had one in 2014; two days but I couldn’t finish it as couldn’t lie still on my back for the length of time required on the ‘very’ hard surface. However, they got enough done to show results. Wouldn’t want to do that again.
Great article. I shared it on The Wisconsin Neuroendocrine Cancer Connection site – https://www.facebook.com/groups/711560562189251/
Good luck with the Gallium scan – I hope its a clean machine and they see nothing. My wife has had 4 of them and now for the time being, we’re doing MRI’s of the liver. Next one is 6/18 and like you said – its always ‘scanxiety’ when you meet with the Oncologist. She’s seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
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On Thu, May 31, 2018 at 10:10 AM Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer wrote:
> Ronny Allan posted: “OPINION Introduction Cancer is a growth industry > (literally!). More people are being diagnosed than ever before. > Fortunately, more people are surviving than ever before. This is against a > backdrop of better awareness, better screening in the big popul” >
thanks! No video?