Ga-68 DOTA-peptides and F-18 FDG PET/CT in patients with neuroendocrine tumor: A review

The aim of the present review was to assess the role of combined 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) and Ga-68 DOTA-peptides positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).We have searched MEDLINE databases, including PubMed and Scopus, for studies about the combined FDG and Ga-68 DOTA-peptides PET-CT or PET/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in NETs in the last 15 years (from 2004 to November 2019). No limits were applied to the search strategy. Abstracts, reviews, letters to editors, and editorials were excluded.Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. In total 236 patients received both 68Ga-DOTA-peptides and F-18 FDG PET-CT for the characterization of NETs. In particular, 84 patients had a neuroendocrine lung tumor while the others mainly a gastroenteropancreatic NET. The combined use of F-18 FDG and Ga-68 DOTA-peptides (mainly TOC) PET studies provides complementary information regarding different biological characteristics of the lesions, thus enabling a more accurate selection of patients for targeted radionuclide therapy and a better stratification of the prognosis.Ga-68 DOTA-peptides and F-18 FDG PET should be considered complementary in patients with NETs. They should be both performed in the initial staging and during follow-up, with a specific selection of patients and in a multidisciplinary vision.