18F-Fluorodopamine PET Studies of Neuroblastoma and Pheochromocytoma
PET (positron emission tomography) scans combined with a radioactive tracer will be used to identify and analyze tumors. Currently, the most common tracer used to analyze neuroblastoma tumors is called 123I-mIBG. However, the picture it provides is not always clear enough to see the very small areas of the disease. 18F-DA (18F-fluorodopamine) has been shown to be safe and more effective than 123I-mIBG in analyzing the tumor pheochromocytoma, which is closely related to neuroblastoma. With this research study, the investigators plan to meet the following goals: * Investigate to see if 18F-DA is safe to administer to pediatric patients with known or suspected neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma * Examine where in the body 18F-DA goes. * Obtain information comparing 18F-DA to 123I-mIBG to see if 18F-DA could replace 123I-mIBG in the future. About 20 people, with known or suspected neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma, will take part in this Pilot study at St. Jude.
• Patients with known or suspected neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma are eligible. 18F-DA PET/CT scanning will not be the initial imaging study in a newly diagnosed patient.
• Patients with positive findings on prior imaging within the past 4 weeks are eligible.
• Prior therapy is allowed.
• Patients \> 1 year of age, under the care of a SJCRH physician.
• Patients of both genders, and all ethnic groups, under the care of a SJCRH physician.
• Female participants of childbearing age must not be lactating due to theoretical potential harm to the infant from exposure to radiation.
• Informed consent signed by participant, parent, or guardian according to the guidelines of the institutional review board.
• Patients may undergo a repeat study one or more years following the initial FLOPET scan.