Hello @trixie1313

Your question is a good one and caused me to search for answers. Finding plain language information comparing relatively new diagnostic tools can be challenging. There are certainly clinical studies about it such as this one: - Comparison of the Impact of 68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG PET/CT on Clinical Management in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27516446

While not a comparison, I found this article from the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation to be helpful in describing the different NET imaging tests, written for patients: - Imaging Tests for Neuroendocrine Tumors https://netrf.org/for-patients/nets-info/diagnostic-tests-for-neuroendocrine-cancer/imaging/

I also had the opportunity to ask a Mayo Clinic radiologist and she said that Gallium 68 (Ga-68) Dotatate PET is an excellent imaging for NET tumors. However, for some people, it does not work well. PET with Ga-68 Dotatate depends on the presence or abundance of a form of receptor on cancer cells, known as somatostatin receptor type 2. Some NET tumors may not have enough of these receptors and then the tumor would not be seen by the Ga-68 Dotatate PET. If a patient's tumor does not have somatostatin receptor type 2 or not enough of them, then the FDG-PET scan (fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan) would be recommended.

I hope this information helps guide the discussion with your oncologist, Trixie. Have they talked about receptors with you? With this information, what questions would you ask your team to help feel confident that they and you are making the best choices?

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