Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy

An octreotide scan is a type of scintigraphy used to find carcinoid, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and to localize sarcoidosis. It is also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS). Octreotide, a drug similar to somatostatin, is radiolabeled with indium-111, and is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin (i.e. Gastrinoma, Glucagonima, etc). A gamma camera detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor cells are in the body. An octreotide scan is a type of scintigraphy used to find carcinoid, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and to localize sarcoidosis. It is also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS). Octreotide, a drug similar to somatostatin, is radiolabeled with indium-111, and is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin (i.e. Gastrinoma, Glucagonima, etc). A gamma camera detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor cells are in the body. Octreotide scanning is reported to have a sensitivity between 75% and 100% for detecting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. An octreotide scan may be used to locate suspected primary neuroendocrine tumours (NET) or for follow-up or staging after treatment. The 111In-pentetreotide radiopharmaceutical is prepared from a kit in a radiopharmacy. Pentetreotide is a DTPA conjugate of octreotide. Approximately 200 megabecquerels of Indium-111 is injected intravenously. Imaging takes place 24 hours after injection, but may also be carried out at 4 and 48 hours.  This article incorporates public domain material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute document 'Dictionary of Cancer Terms'.