[Somatostatin receptors expression (SSTR1-SSTR5) in pheochromocytomas]

Confirmation of somatostatin receptors (SSTR) expression in neuroendocrine tumours has changed their modern diagnosis and therapy, and starts to influence the approach to pheochromocytomas. In vitro studies have revealed the SSTR expression in pheochromocytomas, particularly subtype 2A and 3. They also have indicated that their confinement to cell membranes is essential for successful diagnostics with the use of somatostatin analogues. Scintigraphy with radiolabeled somatostatin analogues is nowadays an approved complementary method of pheochromocytoma localization, particularly the malignant ones. Cell culture studies have indicated that the commercially available somatostatin analogues are able to control tumour growth and secretion. Unfortunately these results have not been confirmed by clinical studies. It seems that the analogues with the broader affinity to sstr may be a good therapeutic option for pheochromocytoma patients. Promising results of radiotherapy with labeled analogues have been recently announced.