Research on the Application of 68Ga-DOTA-CCK-FS PET/CT in MTC

This study explores the clinical application of 68Ga-DOTA-CCK-FS PET/CT in detecting cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK-2R)-positive tumors, particularly medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and other malignancies. Led by Prof. Luo Yaping (PUMCH Nuclear Medicine) and Prof. Liu Zhibo (Peking University, radiochemistry expert), the trial will enroll 30-40 patients to compare 68Ga-DOTA-CCK-FS imaging with standard PET/CT (e.g., 18F-FDG or 68Ga-DOTATATE). The novel tracer shows higher tumor uptake and retention in preclinical studies, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment guidance for aggressive, CCK-2R-expressing cancers. The study leverages PUMCH's Class IV Radioactive Drug License for advanced radiopharmaceutical development. Risks are minimal (diagnostic radiation dose only), and participants receive free imaging assessments. Results aim to refine precision diagnostics for MTC and related tumors.

This clinical study investigates the diagnostic potential of 68Ga-DOTA-CCK-FS PET/CT, a novel radiopharmaceutical targeting the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK-2R), in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and other CCK-2R-expressing tumors. The research is led by Prof. Luo Yaping, Chief Physician at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), in collaboration with Prof. Liu Zhibo, a radiochemistry expert from Peking University. The trial will enroll 30-40 eligible patients with confirmed or suspected MTC (based on histopathology, elevated calcitonin/CEA levels, or MEN2 family history) or other CCK-2R-positive malignancies. Each participant will undergo 68Ga-DOTA-CCK-FS PET/CT, with comparative imaging (either 18F-FDG PET/CT for non-neuroendocrine tumors or 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT for neuroendocrine tumors) performed within 2 weeks. The study focuses on evaluating the tracer's sensitivity, specificity, and tumor-targeting efficiency through both visual and quantitative analyses (e.g., SUV measurements). Preclinical data suggest 68Ga-DOTA-CCK-FS offers superior tumor uptake and retention compared to existing probes, potentially enabling earlier detection and better therapeutic stratification for MTC, which often presents with aggressive metastasis and limited treatment options. PUMCH's Class IV Radioactive Drug License allows in-house production of this investigational tracer, addressing unmet clinical needs. Safety monitoring includes tracking minor injection-site reactions or radiation exposure (equivalent to a standard abdominal CT). Participants benefit from free advanced imaging and contribute to refining precision diagnostics for CCK-2R-driven cancers. Results may pave the way for future theranostic applications (e.g., 177Lu-labeled CCK-2R therapy).