PET Ga-68 Dodatate Scan & Octreotide LAR Injections

Posted by markmark007 @markmark007, Oct 28 12:40am

Injections of octreotide LAR are to stop at least 4 weeks prior to having a PET Ga-68 scan. I understand why this is the requirement.
Is there any documentation to why one would not trust a radiology report if this requirement were not followed?
e.g. hypothetically, if a patient received an octreotide LAR injection 8 days prior to the PET Ga-68 scan
Thanks

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Actually, that line of thought seems like it's going away. More recently, net specialists seem to be changing their minds about that protocol.

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I have had many PET scans but they have not ever requested my every three week lanreotide be put on hold. Curious good question.

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I try to schedule the Pet scan in the AM of the same day as the shot that afternoon. They will not approve the shot in the days before the Scan. I've had them decline the shot because of PET scan timing in the past. Insurance may play a role in this.

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Had lanreotide injected Oct 2, and Ga 68 Dototate PET scan 3 weeks later.

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Thanks to all responders -
In the interim, have reviewed several published articles. In general, via AI, there is a lack of a definitive answers / a lot of conflicting reports.
One source states that if a scan was performed without a "full washout" (presumably time to reduce affects from last injection to PET scan), it may be advisable to discuss the scan report with a nuclear medicine specialist for a potential "adjusted interpretation".
As for me, I do not want another variable resulting in questioning scan results (i.e. maintain the 4-week minimum time period as the manufacture states): maybe good for insurance purposes as well?
Mark

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Profile picture for markmark007 @markmark007

Thanks to all responders -
In the interim, have reviewed several published articles. In general, via AI, there is a lack of a definitive answers / a lot of conflicting reports.
One source states that if a scan was performed without a "full washout" (presumably time to reduce affects from last injection to PET scan), it may be advisable to discuss the scan report with a nuclear medicine specialist for a potential "adjusted interpretation".
As for me, I do not want another variable resulting in questioning scan results (i.e. maintain the 4-week minimum time period as the manufacture states): maybe good for insurance purposes as well?
Mark

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@markmark007
Interesting information. I have a follow up with the oncologist on Thursday so we can discuss the scan results.

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When i had my monthly Lanreotide injection yesterday I was told they were switching to Octreotide. Lanreotide was no longer available. The Octtreotide injection was faster as the amount was less (30 mg vs 120 mg). OTOH I have read that "Studies have shown that lanreotide may be more effective than octreotide in controlling tumor growth. "

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Note: I am not a doctor -
Yes, octreotide injections are much faster, however, the injector must be sure to completely dissolve the medication prior to injection.
Octreotide is usually recommended for those NET cancer patients who exhibit carcinoid syndrome symptoms.
Unfortunately, experience shows that both SSA's, [at some time in the future, with some patients] may not stop tumor progression and alternate treatment(s) is / are needed.
I would certainly question your provider as to why lanreotide is not available.
All the best to you,
Mark

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Profile picture for markmark007 @markmark007

Note: I am not a doctor -
Yes, octreotide injections are much faster, however, the injector must be sure to completely dissolve the medication prior to injection.
Octreotide is usually recommended for those NET cancer patients who exhibit carcinoid syndrome symptoms.
Unfortunately, experience shows that both SSA's, [at some time in the future, with some patients] may not stop tumor progression and alternate treatment(s) is / are needed.
I would certainly question your provider as to why lanreotide is not available.
All the best to you,
Mark

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@markmark007
The nurse told me the manufacturer was no longer making lanreotide. Ive had more fatigue and constipation since the octreotide injection, but this could be due to something else.
Ive had almost all the other treatments discussed on this page. Right now my only other medication is cabometyx.

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Hi
Ocreotide and Lanreotide are administered differently and some individuals may have distinct side effects and symptom and tumor control. But my husband so far has had no issues with receiving Lanreotide at Innova Fairfax, VA.
You should certainly ask your NET oncologist about this. Also I would suggest you reach out to the drug company Ipsen directly. We have found them to be very responsive.
https://www.ipsencares.com/

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