Gallium Dotatate Ga-68 is a radiolabeled agent that is used during PET scanning for the localization of somatostatin receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumors.

Gallium Ga-68 DOTATATE Uses:

• Diagnostic imaging:

  • Gallium Ga-68 DOTATATE is Used with positron emission tomography (PET)  after radiolabeling with Ga 68 for localization of somatostatin receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in adult and pediatric patients.

Gallium Dotatate Dose in Adults

Gallium Dotatate Dose in the Diagnostic imaging:

• IV: 2 MBq/kg (0.054 mCi/ per kg).
• The maximum dose can be 200 MBq (5.4 mCi).
• After completion of gallium Ga 68 dotatate administration begin PET scanning forty to ninety minutes later.

Gallium Dotatate Dose in Childrens

Gallium Dotatate Dose in Diagnostic imaging:

• IV: 2 MBq/kg (0.054 mCi/kg).
• The maximum dose is 200 MBq per dose.
• After the completion of gallium Ga 68 dotatate administration begin PET scanning forty to ninety minutes later.

Pregnancy Category: N

• It has not been used in animal reproduction studies.

Use during breastfeeding:

• It is unknown if breastmilk contains gallium ga 68.
• Following the administration of the drug, the manufacturer suggests that breastfeeding be stopped for 12 hours.
• After that time, it is recommended to discard breastmilk.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

• There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dose in Liver disease:

• There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Side effects of Gallium Dotatate:

Allergic reactions manifesting as:

• itching,
• hives
• urticaria
• cough
• shortness of breath
• hypotension
• shock
• nausea
• vomiting

Contraindications to Gallium Dotatate Ga-68:

The manufacturer's labeling does not contain any contraindications.

Warnings and precautions

• Radiation accumulation:

  • Based on long-term cumulative radiation exposure, Ga 68 could accumulate.
  • Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is linked to the risk of developing cancer.
  • Radiation exposure should not be allowed to patients or health care professionals.

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned.

How to administer Gallium Dotatate Ga-68?

• It is administered intravenously as an IV bolus.
• Immediately before the administration, measure and verify the radioactivity in the syringe with a dose calibrator to ensure radioactivity administered is within 10% of the recommended dose.
• Imaging should include whole-body acquisition from the skull to mid-thigh.
• Begin PET scanning 40 to 90 minutes after its administration.
• Patients should ensure hydration by drinking a sufficient amount of water before the administration of the radiopharmaceutical agent and in the first hours following administration and void frequently following administration to reduce the exposure to radiation.
• It should be handled and disposed-off with appropriate precautions. Radiation should be minimized when handling it by following appropriate safety measures during handling and administering it.
• Effective shielding (including syringe shielding) and waterproof gloves should be worn by the person who handles and administer it.

Mechanism of action of Gallium Dotatate Ga-68:

• It's a radioactive diagnostic agent.
• It binds to cells with somatostatin receptors, including malignant cells.
• Gallium 68 (Ga) is a beta+-emitting radionuclide that emits radiation with an emission yield that permits positron emission imaging (PET).
• Imaging will not allow you to visualize tumors that lack somatostatin receptors.

Distribution:

• It is widely distributed to all somatostatin 2 (sstr2)-expressing organisms including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, spleen and liver.

Half-life elimination:

• It can be decomposed in 68 minutes with stable zinc ZN68.

Excretion:

• It is excreted in the urine (12% within the first four hours).

International Brand Names of Gallium Ga-68 DOTATATE:

• Netspot
• Galliapharm
• GalliaPharm

Gallium Ga-68 DOTATATE Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.