DOTANOC
Pronunciation: DOH-tah-knock
Also written as: DOTANOC — DOTA-1-NaI³-octreotide
A somatostatin receptor imaging agent used in PET scans for neuroendocrine tumor detection and staging.
Full Definition
DOTANOC (DOTA-1-NaI³-octreotide) is a radiolabeled somatostatin analog used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for the detection, staging, and restaging of neuroendocrine tumors. When labeled with gallium-68, DOTANOC binds to somatostatin receptors (particularly subtypes 2, 3, and 5) that are overexpressed on most neuroendocrine tumors. This imaging agent provides superior sensitivity and resolution compared to conventional octreotide scintigraphy and has largely replaced indium-111 octreotide scanning in many centers. DOTANOC PET/CT is particularly valuable for detecting small lesions, assessing treatment response, and selecting patients for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. The examination requires no special patient preparation beyond standard PET scan protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Often used interchangeably with DOTATATE in clinical practice; specify gallium-68 labeling when relevant.
In Context
- "DOTANOC PET revealed multiple hepatic metastases not detected on conventional imaging." — Nuclear medicine report
- "The patient underwent DOTANOC imaging to assess somatostatin receptor expression prior to PRRT." — Nuclear medicine consultation