From October 2019, the most effective molecular imaging diagnostics of neuroendocrine tumours is also available at the UMC Ljubljana. At the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, a PET/CT scanning, using the gallium-68 (68Ga) labelled somatostatin analogue ([68Ga] Ga-DOTA-TATE), was conducted for the first time in Slovenia.
The examination is intended to determine the presence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumours and to monitor the efficacy of treatment.
The [68Ga] Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT scan has a significantly higher sensitivity than all diagnostic tests used so far, and by now, this demanding examination technique has only been possible in few centres abroad. The examination is based on a technologically advanced process using advanced analytical technology that provides adequate quality of the radiopharmaceutical [68Ga] Ga-DOTA-TATE for clinical use. With the introduction of a PET/CT scanning with [68Ga] Ga-DOTA-TATE, referrals of Slovenian patients abroad are no longer required. Slovenian patients and physicians have now the best examination technique to diagnose neuroendocrine tumours.
Members of the Medial Physiscs resarch group – Petra Kolenc Peitl, Luka Ležaić and Katja Zaletel – participated in the launch of the investigation.
More information can be found on the UMC Ljubljana website