Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A Practical Guide for the Production and PET/CT Imaging of 68Ga-DOTATATE for Neuroendocrine Tumors in Daily Clinical Practice
08:55

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

Neuroendocrine tumors and somatostatin: imaging techniques

W W de Herder1, D J Kwekkeboom, R Valkema

  • 1Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Rotterdam, the Netherlands. w.w.deherder@erasmusmc.nl

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|April 22, 2006
PubMed

Insights

111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy effectively detects various neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoids and pituitary adenomas, by targeting somatostatin receptors. However, its sensitivity varies for specific tumors like insulinomas and benign pheochromocytomas.

Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 (SSTR2) and SSTR5 are expressed in various tumors and metastases.
  • Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, such as 111In-pentetreotide, can visualize these SSTR-expressing lesions in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility and sensitivity of 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy for detecting a range of neuroendocrine tumors and other lesions.
  • To compare its efficacy with other imaging modalities like 123I-MIBG scintigraphy for specific tumor types.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of 111In-pentetreotide, a radiolabeled octapeptide somatostatin analog.
  • Scintigraphic imaging to visualize tumors and metastases expressing SSTR2 or SSTR5.

Main Results:

  • High sensitivity (86-95%) for carcinoid tumors.
  • Variable sensitivity for other neuroendocrine tumors (75-100% for gastrinomas, VIPomas, glucagonomas; 50-60% for insulinomas).
  • Complementary role in staging malignant pheochromocytomas and detecting extra-adrenal tumors; effective for pituitary adenomas but not microprolactinomas or some ACTH-secreting microadenomas.

Conclusions:

  • 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy is a valuable tool for visualizing SSTR-expressing tumors, with varying sensitivity depending on tumor type.
  • It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and staging neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoids, pituitary adenomas, and pheochromocytomas.
  • Its utility is particularly noted for extra-pituitary ACTH-secreting tumors and occult lesions.

More Related Videos

Correlative Light- and Electron Microscopy Using Quantum Dot Nanoparticles11:16

Correlative Light- and Electron Microscopy Using Quantum Dot Nanoparticles

Published on: August 7, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy01:25

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
Positron Emission Tomography01:29

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...