PET scan study hints at new hope for tough gut cancer

NCT ID NCT04069299

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at 30 adults with a rare, fast-growing type of gut cancer called poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. Researchers used a special PET scan (68Ga-DOTATATE) to measure how much of a protein called somatostatin receptor is present on tumors. The goal was to see if enough patients have this protein to make a future treatment called PRRT (peptide receptor radiotherapy) worth testing. The study is complete and provides important information for designing future treatment trials.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

68Ga-DOTATATE (a radioactive tracer used in PET scans)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show whether a targeted radiation therapy (PRRT) might work for patients with this aggressive cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed imaging study (30 people) that only measures receptor levels—it does not test treatment itself, so any therapy benefit remains uncertain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

digestive system neuroendocrine neoplasm neuroendocrine carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • H Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute

    Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States