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Updated: Oct 19, 2026
A Practical Guide for the Production and PET/CT Imaging of 68Ga-DOTATATE for Neuroendocrine Tumors in Daily Clinical Practice
Published on: April 17, 2019
Somatostatin receptor imaging and therapy of pancreatic endocrine tumors
C H van Eijck1, M de Jong, W A Breeman
1Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands. vaneijck@hlkd.azr.nl
Abstract:
Somatostatin receptors (SS-Rs) have been found on a variety of neuroendocrine tumors like carcinoids, paragangliomas, as well as on brain and breast tumors. SS-Rs are also present on most pancreatic endocrine tumors, while previous in vitro studies indicate the absence of these receptors on pancreatic duct cancers. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with a radionuclide labeled somatostatin analogue, [111In-DTPA0]-octreotide, is a sensitive and specific technique to visualize in vivo the presence of SS-Rs on various tumors. The purpose of this article is to review the somatostatin receptor imaging of pancreatic endocrine tumors and to illustrate the impact of SS-R expression for therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Somatostatin receptor imaging accurately detects pancreatic endocrine tumors, guiding treatment strategies. This technique visualizes somatostatin receptors (SS-Rs) crucial for neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Somatostatin receptors (SS-Rs) are expressed on various neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoids, paragangliomas, and pancreatic endocrine tumors.
- Previous studies suggest SS-Rs are absent in pancreatic duct cancers.
- SS-Rs play a role in the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for neuroendocrine tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review somatostatin receptor imaging of pancreatic endocrine tumors.
- To illustrate the impact of SS-R expression on therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy using radionuclide-labeled somatostatin analogue, [111In-DTPA0]-octreotide.
- In vivo visualization of SS-Rs on tumors.
Main Results:
- Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is a sensitive and specific method for visualizing SS-Rs in vivo.
- SS-R expression is a key factor in managing pancreatic endocrine tumors.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin receptor imaging is valuable for diagnosing and managing pancreatic endocrine tumors.
- Understanding SS-R expression is critical for effective therapeutic strategies in neuroendocrine oncology.
