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PET/CT Clinical Trials

In addition to performing routine clinical PET/CT scans, the Functional Imaging department also conducts clinical trials approved by the UBC BC Cancer Research Ethics Board and Health Canada.


68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in Neuroendocrine Tumour

 

68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in Neuroendocrine Tumours


Principal Investigator: Dr. François Bénard
BC Cancer
600 W 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6
PET Reception/Booking: 604.707.5951 (toll-free 1.800.663.3333, ext. 5951)
Fax Referrals to: 604.877.6245

Rationale & Background

Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) arise from neural and endocrine cells which derive from the primitive cells of the neural crest and represent a heterogeneous group of tumours with distinct biology and clinical behaviour. Although most tumours are generally indolent, they can be aggressive and resistant to therapy. A unique feature of NETs is the over-expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR). NETs are assessed with morphological imaging such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). NETs can also be imaged using radiolabelled SSTR analogs (like 111In-pentreotide). 68Ga-DOTA peptides were shown to have significantly higher SSTR binding affinity compared to 111In-pentetreotide.

Objectives

To demonstrate the safety and sensitivity of 68Gallium-DOTATOC (68Ga-DOTATOC) Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in diagnosis, staging and detection of SSTR positive tumours, particularly NETs.


Study Design

Up to 400 adult patients will be invited to take part in this study. The study involves two PET/CT exams, one using 68Ga-DOTATOC and the other using 18F-FDG. All patient referrals that meet the indications for performing this test should be faxed to the Functional Imaging Department at BC Cancer – Vancouver Centre.

The indication for performing this test is the need for non-invasive, functional imaging for either staging or re-staging of:

  • Gastroenteropancreatic tumours (e.g. carcinoids, gastrinoma, insulinoma, glucagonoma, VIPoma, etc.), functioning and non-functioning
  • Sympathoadrenal system tumours (phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma)
  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Pituitary adenoma
  • Medulloblastoma
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Small-cell lung cancer (mainly primary tumours)
  • Meningioma
  • Or any other NET / with potential for overexpression of SSTR

Below are the patient referral form and the main study consent form for adult patients.  Patients should not sign the consent form prior to arrival for their PET/CT scan. The consent forms are available for review purposes only.

 

18F-FDOPA PET/CT in Neuroendocrine Tumours

 

18F-FDOPA PET/CT in Neuroendocrine Tumours

Principal Investigator: Dr. Don Wilson
BC Cancer
600 W 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6
PET Reception/Booking: 604.707.5951 (toll-free 1.800.663.3333, ext. 5951)
Fax Referrals to: 604.877.6245

Rationale & Background

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a heterogenous group of neoplasms characterized by their endocrine metabolism and histologic features. They have no specific primary location, however about 90% arise from the gastroenteropancreatic tract. Treatment of NETs depends on the extent of disease and the rate of tumour progression. Accurate staging is critical to establish the prognosis of the disease, to guide potentially curative surgical approaches, and to assist in therapeutic decision making between surgery, embolization techniques or systemic therapy. 18F-FDOPA PET/CT has been investigated as a potentially sensitive and specific staging and localization technique for NETs.


Objectives

The purpose of this study is to provide access to 18F-FDOPA PET/CT imaging to patients with NETs and to collect additional information about the safety and effectiveness of 18F-FDOPA PET/CT in this patient population.


Study Design

Up to 300 adult and pediatric patients will be invited to take part in this study. All patient referrals that meet the indications for performing this test should be faxed to the Functional Imaging Department at BC Cancer – Vancouver Centre.

The indication for performing this test is the need for non-invasive, functional assessment of patients suspected of having or who have been previously diagnosed with:


  1. Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma:
    • Staging
    • Localization of clinically or biochemically (elevated calcitonin) suspected recurrent disease

  2. Carcinoid Tumours:
    • Staging
    • Localization of recurrent disease
    • Surgical planning

  3. Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma:
    • Diagnosis
    • Staging
    • Localization of recurrent disease

  4. Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumours, Including Insulinoma:
    • Diagnosis
    • Staging
    • Surgical planning

  5. Neuroblastoma:
    • Staging
    • Localization of recurrent disease

Other specific clinical indications of suspected or biopsy proven neuroendocrine neoplasia may be approved by BC Cancer on an individual basis.

Below are the patient referral form, main study consent form for adult patients, and the assent form for children age 7-13.  Patients should not sign the consent form prior to arrival for their PET/CT scan. The consent forms are available for review purposes only.
SOURCE: PET/CT Clinical Trials ( )
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