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Use of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging for staging evaluation of Neuroblastoma in the COVID 19 Pandemic: Potential for clinical use
  • Ata Maaz,
  • Jim O'Doherty,
  • Mehdi Djekidel
Ata Maaz
Sidra Medical and Research Center

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jim O'Doherty
MSD Translational Medicine Research Centre
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Mehdi Djekidel
Sidra Medical and Research Center
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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.