Ga 68 dotatate, a positron emitting analogue of somatostatin, works by binding to such receptors.įrom a prostate cancer-specific perspective, what is important here is that the FDA has approved this agent. NETs have receptors for somatostatin, a hormone that regulates the endocrine system. These cells are found throughout the body in organs, such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, lungs and other locations. NETs are rare noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tumors that develop in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system. The FDA, in approving NetSpot has stated that: What is less clear at present is just how many of those NETs in prostate cancer patients might be somastatin receptor positive. However, we know that neuroendocrine tumors can increasingly be identified among patients with advanced forms of metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and particularly in those patients who have already received treatment with newer drugs like abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Xtandi). That type of gallium-68 imaging agent is still in development here in the USA for the detection of progressive forms of prostate cancer, although it is available in several European countries and is also available as an investigational agent at selected centers here in the USA. It is important for readers to understand that this is not a form of gallium-68 imaging agent that is linked to a prostate-specific membrane antigen or PSMA. dotatate can help to locate tumors in adult and pediatric patients with a rare condition known as somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors or NETs. This is a kit for the preparation of an injection of dotatate, which is a radioactive agent for use in combination with PET scanning. What the FDA actually approved is a product called NetSpot. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jbut not specifically for use in the detection of metastatic or micrometastatic prostate cancer.
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Demonstrating how easy it is to “miss” news that may be important to at least a few members of the prostate cancer community, we have just learned that gallium-68 dotatate (dotatate) PET scanning was approved by the U.S.