A Comparison of NETSPOT Imaging Versus F-FDG-PET in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

This is a proof-of-concept trial to compare 18F-FDG-PET/CT with NETSPOT (68Ga-DOTA-TATE), a commercially available radiotracer packet that utilizes 68Ga to image SSTR-specific tissue.

Patients meeting inclusion criteria will be consented at the time of scheduling. All patients will undergo 18F-FDG-PET/CT per established protocol. Following 18F-FDG-PET/CT, the patient will undergo NETSPOT imaging with the AAA-provided dose. These scans will be performed no less than 8 hours, no more than 7 days apart. For patients undergoing same-day imaging, NETSPOT imaging will be performed prior to 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Following imaging, both 18F-FDG-PET/CT and NETSPOT imaging will be compared by trained neuroradiologists for SUV values and concordance with known sites of disease. Biopsies will be performed as is standard to verify all sites of primary or metastatic disease. Patients with oropharyngeal tumors will have HPV testing performed via the standard of care surrogate marker p16. Patients with p16-positive tumors will be recorded and analyzed separately for the above measures. Patients will be followed for a total of 1 year after the study and outcomes of overall survival, disease-free survival, presence and site of recurrence and development of metastatic disease will be recorded. All gathered data will be compared between reported 18F-FDG-PET/CT and NETSPOT imaging for true positive, true negative, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of patient groups.

The isotope 68Ga, available as NETSPOT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT per established protocol will both be administered

All patients will undergo 18F-FDG-PET/CT per established protocol. Following 18F-FDG-PET/CT, the patient will undergo NETSPOT imaging

NETSPOT imaging will be at least equivalent to 18F FDG PET/CT in the detection and staging of HNSCC. This will be done using Standard Uptake Value (SUV) measurements.

The Combination of NETSPOT imaging and 19F FDG PET/CT will have increased specificity for detecting the primary site for HNSCC of unknown primary than 18F FDG PET/CT alone. This will be done using Standard Uptake Value (SUV) measurements.

The combination of NETSPOT imaging and 18F FDG PET/CT, will have increased specificity for detecting disease recurrence and metastasis following treatment than 18F FDG PET/CT alone. This will be done using Standard Uptake Value (SUV) measurements.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with suspected or diagnosed HNSCC undergoing planned 18F FDG PET/CT at the time of primary diagnosis or after completion of treatment. Exclusion Criteria: Inability to undergo 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging due to medical comorbidities