Clinical Research Directory

Prospective Evaluation of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, Octreotide and F-DOPA PET Imaging in Ectopic Cushing Syndrome

Between 10% and 15% of patients with endogenous hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) have ectopic (non-pituitary) production of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) that causes cortisol excess. In approximately 50% of these patients, the tumoral source of ACTH cannot be found initially despite very detailed and extensive imaging, including studies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and octreotide scan (Octreoscan) using the standard dose of indium- 111 pentetreotide (\[111In-DTPA-D-Phe\]-pentetreotide). The sensitivity and specificity of structurally based imaging studies depends on anatomic alterations and the size of the tumor. In contrast, positron emission tomography (PET) and somatostatin ligand imaging detect pathologic tissue based on physiologic and biochemical processes within the abnormal tissue. This protocol tests the ability of \[18F\]-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) PET, and the somatostatin imaging analogue, 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET, to localize the source of ectopic ACTH production.

Preclinical Study Towards an Immunotherapy in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and heterogeneous malignancy with poor prognosis. Surgical resection of the tumor is the treatment of choice. However, even after complete resection more than 80 % of patients will experience recurrence of disease. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently needed. This pre-clinical study try to lay the foundations for a successful immunotherapy in patients with ACC.