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Somatostatin receptor imaging in persistent medullary thyroid carcinoma
1Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Clinical Endocrinology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy aids in locating persistent medullary thyroid carcinoma, particularly pulmonary metastases. However, its sensitivity is limited for minimal residual disease and liver metastases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Somatostatin, secreted by thyroid C-cells, regulates calcitonin secretion.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor originating from thyroid C-cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy for detecting persistent medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- To assess the sensitivity of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in various disease states and locations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical study involving 26 patients with persistent MTC.
- Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy using 111In-pentetreotide (Octreoscan).
- Correlation of scintigraphy results with histology, imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, radiography, bone scan), and selective venous catheterization; measurement of calcitonin and CEA levels.
Main Results:
- Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed 57% sensitivity for persistent MTC.
- Sensitivity decreased to 33% for minimal residual disease.
- The technique was insensitive in detecting liver metastases but valuable for pulmonary metastases.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is a valuable adjunct for localizing medullary thyroid carcinoma, especially pulmonary metastases.
- Its utility is limited in detecting minimal residual disease and liver metastases.
