Project title: Novel Method to Assess NET Metabolism and Somatostatin Receptor Expression in a Single PET scan
Craig Levin, PhD Stanford University
- Status: Active
- Year(s): 2025, 2026, 2027
- Grant Type: Investigator
- Research Type: Translational
- Primary Tumor Site: Multiple
- Area of Inquiry: Diagnostic, Biomarkers, Application of existing or new technologies to target NETs Nuclear medicine/Theranostics/Imaging
What critical NET problem/question will researchers try to answer?
Currently, PET scanners can only use one tracer at a time, providing doctors with only one piece of information per scan. FDG and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET provide complementary information for NET staging, prognosis, and response to therapy, but currently require two separate PET imaging studies on different days, which is logistically challenging and costly. This project aims to develop PET methods that enable the use of two tracers in a single scan.
Why is this important?
A multi-tracer scan would provide doctors with a more comprehensive understanding of tumor biology in a single session, reduce patient burden, and offer better guidance for selecting the most effective treatment.
What will the researchers do?
We propose developing PET scanner data-processing methods that enable multiple tracers, allowing multiple biological features of NETs to be studied in a single PET imaging session. A second goal of the project is to test this simultaneous multi-tracer PET imaging capability in NET patients and compare the results to standard-of-care single-tracer studies.
How might this improve the treatment of NETs?
If successful, this approach could improve how neuroendocrine cancer is monitored and treated, moving closer to more personalized care.
Additional Details
- City: Stanford
- State: California
- Country: United States
- Grant Duration: 2 years
- Sponsor: Kathy and George Karpus
DISCLAIMER
NETRF funds laboratory research to understand the development of neuroendocrine tumors and translational research to explore new concepts in treatment. Research grant descriptions and research updates from NETRF are not intended to serve as medical advice. It can take years for research discoveries to be fully validated and approved for patient care. Always consult your health care providers about your treatment options.