Octreotide SPECT/CT

Abstract

Detection of neuroendocrine tumor sites is critical for optimal surgical treatment planning, but localization of tumors may be difficult because of their small size and lack of anatomic delineation.1 Diagnosis, staging, and follow-up have advanced considerably with I-111 octreotide, which is accumulated in tumors with somatostatin receptor subtype 2 or 5. Octreotide scan facilitates the detection of receptor-dense microscopic foci during radio-guided surgery and determines the completeness of the surgical procedure. It also identifies the receptor-status of metastases for somatostatin therapy.² Hybrid imaging using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) can define the precise organ involved, determine the presence or absence of invasion into surrounding tissue, and has been reported to have an impact on patient management.³ It also may help in the choice of the appropriate treatment. When disease is confined to a single organ, a localized node of organ-specific therapy is suggested. However, surgery is inadvisable when soft tissue tumor has invaded an adjacent bone.⁴