NCT04927416 · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
The Role of 68-Gallium-DOTATATE-PET/CT in the Imaging of Metastatic Thyroid Cancer
What this study is about
Background: About 5% to 10% of differentiated thyroid cancers become resistant to standard treatment with radioactive iodine. In these cases, treatment options are limited and generally not effective. Researchers want to see if they can better detect thyroid tumors by using a compound called 68Gallium-DOTATATE.
View original scientific description
Background: About 5% to 10% of differentiated thyroid cancers become resistant to standard treatment with radioactive iodine. In these cases, treatment options are limited and generally not effective. Researchers want to see if they can better detect thyroid tumors by using a compound called 68Gallium-DOTATATE. This compound may bind to a tumor and make it visible during a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan. This information might help guide future research and treatment. Objective: To identify the people with thyroid cancer whose tumors have a high uptake of 68Gallium-DOTATATE as analyzed by imaging with PET/CT. Eligibility: People ages 18 years and older with thyroid cancer that has spread outside of the thyroid. Design: Participants will have a medical exam. They will give blood and urine samples. Some samples will be used for research. Participants will have imaging scans that follow standard of care. These scans may include: CT scan of the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis Bone scan Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, spine, or liver 18-FDG-PET/CT as needed Participants will have a PET/CT scan. They will get an intravenous (IV) line. They will get an IV injection of 68Gallium-DOTATATE. It contains radioactive tracers. The PET/CT scanner is shaped like a large donut. It contains crystals. The crystals pick up small radiation signals that are given off by the tracers. The CT part of the scan uses low-dose x-rays. The pictures made by the scanner show where the tracers are in the body. The session will last 90 minutes. Participation will last for about 3 months.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Data prospectively collected from the 28 subjects enrolled under this protocol, and data from 26 subjects collected under 77-DK-0096 and/or 00-CH-0093 will be analyzed. Among the 26 subjects prospectively evaluated under 77-DK-0096 protocol, 21 out of 26 had research 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT performed under the DOTATATE sub-study of 77-DK-0096, and 5 out of 26 had 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT done under 00-CH-0093. Again, the inclusion of the above data was per the IRB s request to transition the sub-study into a new standalone protocol. This will give us a total of 54 subjects for the final analyses, with at least 18 subjects from each group (e.g., HTC, DTC, and MTC), which is required to meet the primary objectives of this study with sufficient power of 80% and type 1 error alpha of \< 0.05. Patients with HTC, DTC, and MTC will be identified by the investigators. The potential candidates for the study will be screened for eligibility to participate in the study and invited to sign the Research 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging informed consent form. The same inclusion/
Exclusion criteria
- were applied to the subjects who underwent imaging with the 68GADOTATATE PET/CT, either under the 77-DK-0096 sub-study or as clinically-indicated imaging under 00-CH-0093. In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual with DTC (including HTC) must meet all of the following criteria:
- Male or female, aged \>18 years.
- Patients with established thyroid cancer diagnosis presenting with either:
- Locally advanced or distant metastases, which are RAI-non-avid based on the or diagnostic or post-treatment whole body scan (WBS) OR --Patients with RAI-non-responsive disease, who have the evidence of disease progression defined by RECIST 1.1 criteria after therapy with RAI. In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual with MTC must meet all of the following criteria:
- Male or female, aged \>18 years.
- Patients with locally advanced or metastatic MTC or patients suspected of locally advanced or metastatic MTC with calcitonin level \> 500 pg/mL. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Subjects with either HTC, DTC, or MTC who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Pregnancy or lactation by self-report.
- Serious underlying medical conditions that restrict diagnostic testing or therapy such as renal failure, congestive cardiac failure or active coexisting non-thyroid carcinoma;
- Patients unable to give informed consent.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations