Use of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging for staging evaluation of
Neuroblastoma in the COVID 19 Pandemic: Potential for clinical use
Abstract
Background: MIBG imaging has been the standard for neuroblastoma staging
following its discovery 4 decades ago. Novel agents such as 18F-FDOPA
and 68Ga-DOTATATE are being widely used nowadays in academic centers. In
the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, procurement of MIBG has proved
particularly challenging, necessitating the use of 68Ga DOTATATE
positron emission tomography. Methods: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging was
carried out for completion of staging investigation for three pediatric
patients who were diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at our institution, as
123Iodine MIBG became unavailable during the pandemic. Results:
68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans were carried out in all three pediatric
patients without any complications. All patients showed 68Gallium
DOTATATE avid disease. PET/CT scans showed better spatial resolution,
increased lesion contrast and demonstrated high accuracy in staging
neuroblastoma patients in concordance with current EANM guidelines.
Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging can be reliably used as an
alternative to MIBG for staging and evaluation of patients with
neuroblastoma. Impact may be best in high risk disease.