Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Ga-68-DOTATOC (EDOTREOTIDE)

Ga-68-DOTATOC works by binding to somatostatin receptors on the surface of certain tumor cells, allowing them to be visualized through PET imaging.

Ga-68-DOTATOC (edotreotide) is a peptide-based radiopharmaceutical developed by Uihc Pet Imaging. It is used to diagnose and visualize somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) through positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Ga-68-DOTATOC is FDA-approved for this indication since 2023. The commercial status of Ga-68-DOTATOC is patented, and its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. Key safety considerations include radiation exposure and potential allergic reactions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ga 68 DOTATOC binds to somatostatin receptors, with highest affinity (K i = 2.5± 0.5 nanomolar) for subtype 2 receptors (sstr2). Ga 68 DOTATOC binds to cells that express somatostatin receptors including malignant neuroendocrine cells, which overexpress sstr2 receptors. Gallium 68 is a β+ emitting radionuclide with associated 511 keV annihilation photons that allow positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Approved indications

• somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Pruritus
• Flushing

Drug interactions

• Somatostatin analogs (long-acting)
• Somatostatin analogs (short-acting)
• Somatostatin analogs (short-acting)

Key clinical trials

• Testing the Safety and Effectiveness of Radiation-based Treatment (Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate) for Metastatic Prostate Cancer That Has Neuroendocrine Cells (PHASE2)
• Efficacy and Safety of Radiotherapy Compared to Everolimus in Somatostatin Receptor Positive Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung and Thymus. (PHASE3)
• Combination External Radiation and PRRT for Large GI Neuroendocrine Tumors. (PHASE1)
• Direct Comparison of Ga-68-DOTATATE and Ga-68-DOTATOC (PHASE2)
• Evaluating the roLe of Multiplexed PET Imaging in the Detection and Staging of hepatocellulaR Carcinoma and gAstro-entero-pancreatic Tumors (NA)
• An Investigational Scan (68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT) in Diagnosing Pediatric Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (EARLY_PHASE1)
• RYZ101 for the Treatment of Progressive or Recurrent Intracranial Meningioma (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Phase I Trial to Determine the Dose and Evaluate the PK and Safety of Lutetium Lu 177 Edotreotide Therapy in Pediatric Participants With SSTR-positive Tumors (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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