Abstract
After intravenous administration of a radiolabeled somatostatin analog (octreotide), an image of the thyroid gland is frequently observed; few data are available, however, on somatostatin receptors in epithelial thyroid cells assessed in vitro and on images of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with pentetreotide scintigraphy.
METHODS: In four patients with metastatic thyroid carcinoma, whole-body scintigraphy was performed 4 to 48 hr after injection of 110 MBq of 111In-pentetreotide. The results were compared to data obtained with other imaging modalities, including scintigraphy performed after administration of a therapeutic dose of 131I.
RESULTS: There were positive foci in distant metastases on 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy. Pentetreotide scintigraphy was positive in two patients with an "insular" form of DTC, one of whom had a positive (faintly) 131I scan. Of the other two patients with papillary DTC without radioiodine uptake, only one exhibited a certain degree of pentetreotide scintigraphy positivity in distant metastases.
CONCLUSION: These results show promise for exploration of insular thyroid carcinoma and suggest that these carcinomas may possess functional differentiation features, including somatostatin receptors.
See also:
- Official Web Site: The Di Bella Method;
- Somatostatin in oncology, the overlooked evidences - In vitro, review and in vivo publications;
- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Bromocriptine and/or Cabergoline);
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- Oesophageal squamocellular carcinoma: a complete and objective response.