Utility of radiolabeled somatostatin receptor analogues for staging/restaging and treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive pediatric tumors

Oncologist. 2008 Apr;13(4):382-9. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0175.

Abstract

In this paper, we review the pediatric oncologic applications of somatostatin receptor-targeted imaging and therapy. Somatostatin receptors are expressed in high densities by embryonal tumors, such as neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma, and neuroendocrine tumors like carcinoids and islet cell tumors. We first review the distribution of these receptors in normal tissues and tumor cells. We then discuss the technique of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) in the pediatric population. Next, the specific clinical applications of SRS with regard to the imaging of neuroblastoma, central nervous system tumors, and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors of childhood are discussed. Finally, we discuss the potential role of somatostatin receptor-targeted radiotherapy for improving the duration and quality of life of children with these tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Child
  • Digestive System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Digestive System Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / radiotherapy
  • Neuroblastoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroblastoma / radiotherapy
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / radiotherapy
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / analysis*
  • Somatostatin / analogs & derivatives
  • Somatostatin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Receptors, Somatostatin
  • Somatostatin