Functional imaging of endocrine tumors: Role of positron emission tomography

157Citations
Citations of this article
61Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

This article provides an update on functional imaging approaches for diagnostic localization of endocrine tumors, with emphasis on positron emission tomography (PET). [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose PET scanning is now a widely accepted imaging approach in clinical oncology. Benefits include improved patient outcome facilitated by staging and monitoring of disease and better treatment planning. [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose PET is also useful in some endocrine tumors, particularly in recurrent or metastatic thyroid cancer where the degree of accumulation of the radionuclide has prognostic value. However, this imaging approach does not take full advantage of the unique characteristics of endocrine tumors. Endocrine tumor cells take up hormone precursors, express receptors and transporters, and synthesize, store, and release hormones. These characteristics offer highly specific targets for PET. Radiopharmaceuticals developed for such approaches include 6-[ 18F]fluorodopamine, and [11C]hydroxyephedrine for localization of pheochromocytomas, [11C]5-hydroxytryptophan and [11C]L-dihydroxyphenylalanine for carcinoid tumors, and [ 11C]metomidate for adrenocortical tumors. These functional imaging approaches are not meant to supplant conventional imaging modalities but should be used conjointly to better identify specific characteristics of endocrine tumors. This represents a relatively new and evolving approach to imaging that promises to answer specific questions about the behavior and growth of endocrine tumors, their malignant potential, and responsiveness to different treatment modalities.

References Powered by Scopus

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with [<sup>111</sup>In-DTPA-d-Phe<sup>1</sup>]- and [<sup>123</sup>I-Tyr<sup>3</sup>]-octreotide: the Rotterdam experience with more than 1000 patients

1481Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Incidentally discovered adrenal masses

825Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Pitfalls in oncologic diagnosis with FDG PET imaging: Physiologic and benign variants

736Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Phaeochromocytoma

1460Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

The north american neuroendocrine tumor society consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine tumors: Pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and medullary thyroid cancer

464Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

NANETS consensus guidelines for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor

224Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Pacak, K., Eisenhofer, G., & Goldstein, D. S. (2004, August). Functional imaging of endocrine tumors: Role of positron emission tomography. Endocrine Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2003-0032

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 17

45%

Researcher 12

32%

Professor / Associate Prof. 8

21%

Lecturer / Post doc 1

3%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Medicine and Dentistry 32

82%

Engineering 3

8%

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceut... 2

5%

Neuroscience 2

5%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free