The Basics
What is Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate?
May be used as an SSTR imaging agent in conjunction with PET to image neuroendocrine tumors.
Brand names for Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate
Ga 68 Dotatoc
How Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate is classified
Diagnostic Agents, Radiopharmaceuticals, Gallium Radioisotopes, Diagnostic Agents
Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate During Pregnancy
Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate?
Gallium Ga 68 dotatate is used for localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors. It can found in lactating breasts in higher than usual amounts.[1] Labeling in the U.S. advises nursing mothers to pump and discard breastmilk for 12 hours after a dose, based on isotope’s physical half-life alone. However, one group of investigators and the International Atomic Energy Agency recommend pumping and discarding breastmilk for 4 hours after a dose of 100 to 200 MBq, then resuming breastfeeding.[2][3] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4] Nursing mothers should not work with radioactive substances used in PET scans in their workplace.[5]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Gallium Ga 68 dotatate is used for localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors. It can found in lactating breasts in higher than usual amounts.[1] Labeling in the U.S. advises nursing mothers to pump and discard breastmilk for 12 hours after a dose, based on isotope’s physical half-life alone. However, one group of investigators and the International Atomic Energy Agency recommend pumping and discarding breastmilk for 4 hours after a dose of 100 to 200 MBq, then resuming breastfeeding.[2][3] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4] Nursing mothers should not work with radioactive substances used in PET scans in their workplace.[5]
Possible effects of Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Aksoy SY, Vatankulu B, Akgun E et al. Breast uptake of Ga-68 DOTA-TATE in a nursing woman with NET diagnosis. Gazi Med J. 2016;27:176-7. doi:10.12996/gmj.2016.55 DOI: doi:10.12996/gmj.2016.55
2. Forwood N, Kanthan G, Bailey D et al. (68)Ga-dotatate uptake and excretion in breast milk. Intern Med J. 2016;46:28. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1111/imj.13065
3. International Atomic Energy Agency. Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-46, IAEA, Vienna. 2018. https://www.iaea.org/publications/11102/radiation-protection-and-safety-in-medical-uses-of-ionizing-radiation
4. Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:863-73. PMID: 10809203
5. Almen A, Mattsson S. Radiological protection of foetuses and breast-fed children of occupationally exposed women in nuclear medicine – Challenges for hospitals. Phys Med. 2017;43:172-7. PMID: 28882410
6. Forwood NJ, Kanthan GL, Bailey DL et al. 68Ga-dotatate breast uptake and expression in breast milk. Clin Nucl Med. 2016. PMID: 27276203
7. O’Mahoney E , Chacko A, Mcgill G et al. (68)Ga-dotatate expression in breastmilk and the potential dose to the breastfeeding infant. Intern Med J. 2019;49 (Suppl 2 Special issue):25. Abstract.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
