[Somatostatin receptor PET/CT (SSTR-PET/CT)]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Somatostatin receptor PET/CT (SSTR-PET/CT) is crucial for oncology patient management.
• Standardized quality assurance is essential for reliable SSTR-PET/CT imaging.
• Existing guidelines from European and German medical societies inform this consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive guideline for quality assurance in SSTR-PET/CT for oncology.
• To define prerequisites, methodology, operating procedures, and reporting standards.
• To present imaging procedures for 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE.

Main Methods:

• Development by a multidisciplinary board of specialists.
• Consensus on definitions, prerequisites, methodology, and operating procedures.
• Inclusion of imaging protocols for key somatostatin receptor radioligands.

Main Results:

• A standardized framework for SSTR-PET/CT quality assurance is presented.
• Specific imaging procedures for 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE are detailed.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary communication and cooperation is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• This guideline facilitates consistent and high-quality SSTR-PET/CT in oncology.
• Adherence to these standards improves diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
• Collaboration between referring and executing medical disciplines is paramount for optimal outcomes.