What is a DOTATATE PET-CT Scan?
A DOTATATE PET-CT scan is a specialized imaging test designed specifically to detect and evaluate neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This advanced scanning technique combines two imaging technologies:
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Shows how tissues are functioning at the cellular level
- CT (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed anatomical images of your body
The scan uses a radioactive tracer called Ga-68 DOTATATE, which is specifically attracted to neuroendocrine tumor cells. This allows doctors to see both where these tumors might be located and how active they are.
Why Might I Need a DOTATATE PET-CT Scan?
Your doctor may recommend this scan if:
- You have been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor
- There is suspicion of a neuroendocrine tumor based on symptoms or other tests
- Your doctor needs to determine if a known neuroendocrine tumor has spread
- Your doctor wants to monitor your response to treatment
- Your doctor is planning surgery or other treatments and needs precise tumor location
How Does the Scan Work?
The DOTATATE PET-CT scan works because:
- Neuroendocrine tumor cells often have special proteins called somatostatin receptors on their surface
- The radioactive tracer (Ga-68 DOTATATE) is designed to bind specifically to these receptors
- Areas with higher concentrations of these receptors (such as neuroendocrine tumors) will accumulate more of the tracer
- The PET scanner detects the radiation emitted by the tracer
- The CT scanner provides detailed anatomical images of your body
- The two sets of images are combined to create a comprehensive 3D picture showing both function and structure
Preparing for Your Scan
Before Your Appointment
Medications: Please inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Somatostatin analogs, including:
- Monthly octreotide LAR (Sandostatin LAR)
- Monthly lanreotide (Lanreotide Autogel)
- Short-acting octreotide injections
Important: Do not stop any medications without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
Other Preparation:
- No fasting is required for this scan
- Continue to drink fluids normally before the scan
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal components
- Inform your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have any allergies
- Have had recent other nuclear medicine scans
- Have difficulty lying flat or still for extended periods
What to Expect During the Procedure
On the Day of Your Scan
- Registration and Preparation
- You’ll complete any necessary paperwork
- A healthcare professional will review your medical history and explain the procedure
- An IV line will be placed in a vein in your arm
- Tracer Injection
- The Ga-68 DOTATATE radioactive tracer will be injected through your IV
- The injection feels similar to having blood drawn
- You will not feel any effects from the tracer
- Uptake Period
- After the injection, you’ll wait approximately 60 minutes while the tracer circulates and accumulates in neuroendocrine tissues
- During this time, you’ll be asked to relax in a comfortable chair
- You may be encouraged to drink water to help flush excess tracer from your system
- Scanning Procedure
- You’ll lie on a table that moves through the scanner
- The PET-CT scanner has a wide opening (larger than an MRI)
- The scanner makes minimal noise
- You’ll need to lie still during the scan
- The actual scanning takes approximately 30 minutes
After Your Scan
- You can resume all normal activities immediately
- There are no restrictions on eating or drinking
- Continue any medications that were temporarily stopped (as directed by your doctor)
- Drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day to help flush the tracer from your body
- The small amount of radiation from the tracer will naturally leave your body within a day
- A nuclear medicine specialist will analyze your images and send a report to your doctor
- Your doctor will discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment
Insurance Coverage
Most medical schemes and private insurance companies cover DOTATATE PET-CT imaging for appropriate indications, especially for cancer diagnosis and staging. Coverage typically follows prescribed minimum benefit guidelines. However, it’s advisable to contact your insurance provider for specific information about your coverage. Our department can assist with providing motivation letters if needed for insurance approval.
Risks and Safety
The DOTATATE PET-CT scan uses a very small amount of radiation. The benefits of the diagnostic information gained from the scan far outweigh any potential risks from this minimal radiation exposure. There are no known side effects from the tracer.
How Long Will the Entire Procedure Take?
The entire procedure typically takes about 2-2½ hours:
- Registration and preparation: 15-30 minutes
- Tracer injection and uptake period: 60 minutes
- PET-CT scanning: 30 minutes
- Additional time may be needed for processing and initial review
If you have any questions or concerns about your DOTATATE PET-CT scan, please contact our department or discuss them with your healthcare provider.
