title: Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Neuroendocrine Tumors.
abstract: An important role is reserved for nuclear imaging techniques in the imaging of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) with (111)In-DTPA-octreotide is currently the most important tracer in the diagnosis, staging and selection for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). In the past decade, different positron-emitting tomography (PET) tracers have been developed. The largest group is the (68)Gallium-labeled somatostatin analogs ((68)Ga-SSA). Several studies have demonstrated their superiority compared to SRS in sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, patient comfort and effective dose are favorable for (68)Ga-SSA. Other PET targets like β-[(11)C]-5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan ((11)C-5-HTP) and 6-(18)F-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ((18)F-DOPA) were developed recently. For insulinomas, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor imaging is a promising new technique. The evaluation of response after PRRT and other therapies is a challenge. Currently, the official follow-up is performed with radiological imaging techniques. The role of nuclear medicine may increase with the newest tracers for PET. In this review, the different nuclear imaging techniques and tracers for the imaging of NETs will be discussed.
authors: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Tessa
authors: T
authors: Brabander
authors: Dik J
authors: DJ
authors: Kwekkeboom
authors: Richard A
authors: RA
authors: Feelders
authors: Adrienne H
authors: AH
authors: Brouwers
authors: Jaap J M
authors: JJ
authors: Teunissen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009683:Nuclear Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011849:Radioactive Tracers
chemical_list: D011849:Radioactive Tracers