The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Netspot, the first kit for the preparation of gallium Ga 68 dotatate injection, a radioactive diagnostic agent for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This radioactive probe will help locate tumors in adult and pediatric patients with the rare condition, somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

NETs are rare noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tumors that develop in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system. These cells are found throughout the body in organs, such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, lungs and other locations. NETs have receptors for somatostatin, a hormone that regulates the endocrine system. Ga 68 dotatate, a positron emitting analogue of somatostatin, works by binding to such receptors.

To read more please visit: http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm504524.htm

Source: FDA News