[Theranostics in 2020: Neuroendocrine tumors]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms.
• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing NETs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present current guidelines for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine methods for NETs.
• To provide an overview of established and emerging nuclear medicine techniques in NET management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and guidelines on nuclear medicine in neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis and therapy.
• Discussion of laboratory and imaging diagnostic techniques.
• Detailed examination of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) and meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) therapy.

Main Results:

• Nuclear medicine offers essential diagnostic tools, including somatostatin receptor imaging and functional imaging.
• Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) and mIBG therapy are key therapeutic modalities for advanced NETs.
• Current research focuses on novel radiopharmaceuticals and combination therapies.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear medicine plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary management of neuroendocrine tumors.
• Adherence to guidelines ensures optimal patient outcomes.
• Future developments promise enhanced diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy for NET patients.