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Bonazzi N, Fortunati E, Zanoni L, Argalia G, Calabrò D, Tabacchi E, Allegri V, Campana D, Andrini E, Lamberti G, Di Franco M, Casadei R, Ricci C, Mosconi C, Fanti S, Ambrosini V. Real-Life Use of [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in Confirmed and Suspected NETs from a Prospective 5-Year Electronic Archive at an ENETS Center of Excellence: More Than 2000 Scans in More Than 1500 Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:701. [PMID: 38398092 PMCID: PMC10886517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent introduction of novel treatments for advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and the well-established impact of clinical case discussion within dedicated multidisciplinary teams indicates the need to promote the centralization of rare diseases, such as NENs (neuroendocrine neoplasms). Data on the real-life use of and indications for [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT were collected from a prospective monocentric 5-year electronic archive including consecutive patients with confirmed and suspected NETs (September 2017 to May 2022). Overall, 2082 [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT scans (1685 confirmed NETs, 397 suspected NETs) were performed in 1537 patients. A high positivity rate was observed across different clinical settings (approximately 70%). Approximately 910/2082 scans were requested by the local oncology ward (851 confirmed NETs, 59 suspected NETs). The following observations were found: (i) the detection rate across all indications was 73.2% (higher for staging, peptide receptor radioligand therapy (PRRT) selection, and treatment response assessment); (ii) in suspected NETs, PET was more often positive when based on radiological findings. This systematic data collection in a high-volume diagnostic center represents a reliable cohort reflecting the global trends in the use of [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for different clinical indications and primary tumor sites, but prompts the need for further multicenter data sharing in such a rare and slowly progressive disease setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Bonazzi
- Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (D.C.); (M.D.F.); (S.F.); (V.A.)
| | - Emilia Fortunati
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.F.); (L.Z.); (E.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Lucia Zanoni
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.F.); (L.Z.); (E.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Giulia Argalia
- Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (D.C.); (M.D.F.); (S.F.); (V.A.)
| | - Diletta Calabrò
- Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (D.C.); (M.D.F.); (S.F.); (V.A.)
| | - Elena Tabacchi
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.F.); (L.Z.); (E.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Vincenzo Allegri
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.F.); (L.Z.); (E.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Davide Campana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (E.A.); (G.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Elisa Andrini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (E.A.); (G.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (E.A.); (G.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Martina Di Franco
- Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (D.C.); (M.D.F.); (S.F.); (V.A.)
| | - Riccardo Casadei
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.C.); (C.R.)
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Ricci
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.C.); (C.R.)
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Mosconi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Fanti
- Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (D.C.); (M.D.F.); (S.F.); (V.A.)
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.F.); (L.Z.); (E.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Valentina Ambrosini
- Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (D.C.); (M.D.F.); (S.F.); (V.A.)
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.F.); (L.Z.); (E.T.); (V.A.)
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Abstract
Consensus guidelines acknowledge the role of gallium Ga-68 (68Ga) 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic (DOTA) somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in management of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. 68Ga-DOTA-SSTR PET/CT demonstrates superior performance to conventional imaging in initial detection, staging, detection of recurrent tumor, and detection of unknown primary in known metastatic disease. 68Ga-DOTA-SSTR PET/CT is low yield for NET detection in the setting of symptoms or elevated biomarkers when conventional imaging is negative, but may still guide management. The role of 68Ga-DOTA-SSTR PET/CT is not established in monitoring response to systemic therapy but may identify progression through detection of new metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Pollard
- Department of Radiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Parren McNeely
- Department of Radiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Yusuf Menda
- Department of Radiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Abstract
The major applications for molecular imaging with PET in clinical practice concern cancer imaging. Undoubtedly, 18F-FDG represents the backbone of nuclear oncology as it remains so far the most widely employed positron emitter compound. The acquired knowledge on cancer features, however, allowed the recognition in the last decades of multiple metabolic or pathogenic pathways within the cancer cells, which stimulated the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals. An endless list of PET tracers, substantially covering all hallmarks of cancer, has entered clinical routine or is being investigated in diagnostic trials. Some of them guard significant clinical applications, whereas others mostly bear a huge potential. This chapter summarizes a selected list of non-FDG PET tracers, described based on their introduction into and impact on clinical practice.
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Somatostatin Receptor PET/CT Imaging for the Detection and Staging of Pancreatic NET: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10080598. [PMID: 32824388 PMCID: PMC7459584 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the diagnostic performance of Somatostatin Receptor Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (SSR-PET/CT) for the detection of primary lesion and initial staging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). A comprehensive literature search up to January 2020 was performed selecting studies in presence of: sample size ≥10 patients; index test (i.e., 68Ga-DOTATOC or 68Ga-DOTANOC or 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT); and outcomes (i.e., detection rate (DR), true positive, true negative, false positive, and false-negative). The methodological quality was evaluated with QUADAS-2. Pooled DR and pooled sensitivity and specificity for the identification of the primary tumor were assessed by a patient-based and a lesion-based analysis. Thirty-eight studies were selected for the qualitative analysis, while 18 papers were included in the meta-analysis. The number of pNET patients ranged from 10 to 142, for a total of 1143 subjects. At patient-based analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of primary pNET were 79.6% (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 71–87%) and 95% (95%CI: 75–100%) with a heterogeneity of 59.6% and 51.5%, respectively. Pooled DR for the primary lesion was 81% (95%CI: 65–90%) and 92% (95%CI: 80–97%), respectively, at patient-based and lesion-based analysis. In conclusion, SSR-PET/CT has high DR and diagnostic performances for primary lesion and initial staging of pNETs.
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Kim MR, Shim HK. Long-Term Follow-Up of a Patient with Primary Presacral Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report with Literature Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2019; 20:1969-1975. [PMID: 31889046 PMCID: PMC6956834 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.921439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the retroperitoneal space are extremely rare. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with primary presacral NET in the retroperitoneum that was initially suspected to be hepatic metastasis, who was followed up for more than 8 years. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old man was referred to our hospital for the treatment of a hepatic mass. Following resection, the patient was diagnosed with a grade 2 well-differentiated NET. A thorough evaluation to identify the primary tumor detected small well-demarcated presacral nodules on In-111 octreotide single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). Metastases to other locations were not observed. Presacral nodules were difficult to remove using the surgical approach; therefore, we decided to follow up closely. After 4 years, the patient was diagnosed with recurrent hepatic metastasis and peritoneal seeding. Although combination therapy of everolimus and octreotide long-acting repeatable was administered, it was discontinued owing to disease progression. Baseline Ga-68 DOTATOC positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed adequate avidity for the lesions observed on SPECT/CT; therefore, 5 cycles of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) were administered, after which stable disease was maintained. CONCLUSIONS We identified an extremely rare primary retroperitoneal NET on In-111 octreotide SPECT/CT. During long-term follow-up, although the patient presented with recurrent hepatic metastases and peritoneal seeding, PRRT was successful in stabilizing the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ra Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hye-Kyung Shim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
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Tirosh A, Kebebew E. The utility of 68Ga-DOTATATE positron-emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis, management, follow-up and prognosis of neuroendocrine tumors. Future Oncol 2018; 14:111-122. [PMID: 29072093 PMCID: PMC5967363 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms that emerge mainly from the GI tract, pancreas and respiratory tract. The incidence of NETs has increased more than sixfold in the last decades. NETs typically express somatostatin receptors on their cell surface, which can be targeted by 'cold' somatostatin analogs for therapy or by 'hot' radiolabeled somatostatin analogs for tumor localization and treatment. 68-Gallium-DOTA peptides (DOTATATE, DOTATOC, DOTANOC) positron emission tomography/computed tomography is a highly accurate imaging modality for NETs that has been found to be more sensitive for NET detection than other imaging modalities. In the current review, we will discuss the clinical utility of 68-Gallium-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the diagnosis and management of patients with NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Tirosh
- Endocrine Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Electron Kebebew
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- Department of Surgery, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
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Merola E, Pavel ME, Panzuto F, Capurso G, Cicchese N, Rinke A, Gress TM, Iannicelli E, Prosperi D, Pizzichini P, Prasad V, Kump P, Lipp R, Partelli S, Falconi M, Wiedenmann B, Delle Fave G. Functional Imaging in the Follow-Up of Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Clinical Usefulness and Indications. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:1486-1494. [PMID: 28324047 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-3732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Functional imaging tests (FITs) detecting somatostatin receptor expression [i.e., somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, 68Ga-DOTA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT)] have a pivotal role in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), although their indication during follow-up still needs to be clarified. OBJECTIVE Investigate the role of FITs after diagnosis of metastatic enteropancreatic NETs, identifying patients who might benefit from these exams. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective analysis of metastatic enteropancreatic NETs. SETTING Analysis of imaging tests performed between January 1995 and December 2015 in Rome, Berlin, Milan, Marburg, or Graz. SUBJECTS One hundred forty-three patients with metastatic pancreatic NETs and small intestine NETs, at least 2-year follow-up, and positive FITs. INTERVENTIONS Patients had received CT every 6 months (unless clinical conditions and tumor behavior required shorter intervals) and FIT every 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical usefulness of FITs, defined as changes in patient management (indication to biopsy, medical therapy, surgery, or further imaging tests) due only to FITs. RESULTS FITs affected management in 73.4% of patients, mostly when G2 vs G1 [odds ratio (OR), 2.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09 to 5.27; P = 0.03]. Changes were observed in a 12-month time frame especially with pancreatic NETs vs small intestine NETs (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.09 - 7.67; P = 0.03) or metastases since diagnosis vs developed during follow-up (OR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.43 to 11.17; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS FITs used in addition to CT in the follow-up of stage IV enteropancreatic NETs improve patient management (especially for G2 tumors). Follow-up program should be tailored according to tumor features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elettra Merola
- Digestive and Liver Diseases Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianne E Pavel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesco Panzuto
- Digestive and Liver Diseases Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- Digestive and Liver Diseases Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Cicchese
- Digestive and Liver Diseases Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Anja Rinke
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Elsa Iannicelli
- Department of Radiology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Prosperi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Vikas Prasad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrizia Kump
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University, 8036 Graz Austria
| | - Rainer Lipp
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Medical University, 8036 Graz Austria
| | - Stefano Partelli
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Hospital Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Hospital Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bertram Wiedenmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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The Accessory Spleen Is an Important Pitfall of 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in the Workup for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm. Pancreas 2017; 46:157-163. [PMID: 27846139 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the value and potential pitfalls of Ga-DOTANOC positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with suspected pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN). METHODS Consecutive patients referred for Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for suspected pNEN between May 1, 2011, and October 31, 2014, were retrospectively assessed. Scan data were compared with cytological/histological final diagnosis. Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm detection rate was determined on per-patient and per-lesion basis. Maximum standardized uptake values of lesions were determined. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients with 65 lesions were enrolled. Twelve patients had nonconfirmed diagnosis; of these, 7 were positive and 5 negative at PET/CT. Of 46 patients with confirmed diagnosis, 36 had pNEN; of these, 33 were positive, 1 negative, and 2 nonevaluable at PET/CT. Ten patients had non-NE lesions, of which 8 were positive, 1 negative, and 1 nonevaluable at PET/CT. Of 48 patients with positive PET/CT, 8 proved to have non-NE lesions, of which 6 were intrapancreatic accessory spleen. No significant maximum standardized uptake values difference was found between pNEN and non-NE lesions. CONCLUSIONS Intrapancreatic accessory spleen is an important pitfall in Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for suspected pNEN. Cytological/histological confirmation is mandatory before any surgical procedure is undertaken.
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Abstract
PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an established hybrid imaging technique for staging and follow-up of gastrointestinal (GI) tract malignancies, especially for colorectal carcinoma. Dedicated hybrid PET/MR imaging scanners are currently available for clinical use. Although they will not replace regular use of PET/CT, they may have utility in selected cases of GI tract malignancies. The superior soft tissue contrast resolution and depiction of anatomy and the functional information obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provided by MR imaging in PET/MR imaging are advantages over CT of PET/CT for T staging and follow-up of rectal carcinoma and for better characterization of liver lesions. Functional information from DWI and use of liver-specific MR imaging contrast agents are an added advantage in follow-up of liver metastases after systemic and locoregional treatment. New radiotracers will improve the utility of PET/MR imaging in staging and follow-up of tumors, which may not be [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose avid, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. PET/MR imaging also has application in selected cases of cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and pancreatic carcinoma for initial staging and follow-up assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Mohan Paspulati
- Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Amit Gupta
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Jilesen A, Hoefnagel S, Busch O, Bennink R, Gouma D, Nieveen van Dijkum E. The influence of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy during preoperative staging of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Clin Radiol 2016; 71:537-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Maxwell JE, Howe JR. Imaging in neuroendocrine tumors: an update for the clinician. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY 2015; 2:159-168. [PMID: 26257863 DOI: 10.2217/ije.14.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that are best worked up and managed using a variety of clinical and imaging studies. They are often diagnosed after they have already metastasized, though this does not necessarily preclude an attempt at curative surgical treatment or surgical debulking. Tumor burden assessment often requires use of multiple imaging modalities including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. Somatostatin receptor-based imaging is also of great utility in looking for primaries and determining the extent of metastatic disease. This paper will review the most common imaging modalities used in the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Maxwell
- Department of General Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - James R Howe
- Department of General Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Bodei L, Sundin A, Kidd M, Prasad V, Modlin IM. The status of neuroendocrine tumor imaging: from darkness to light? Neuroendocrinology 2015; 101:1-17. [PMID: 25228173 DOI: 10.1159/000367850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis, staging, treatment selection and follow-up for neuroendocrine tumors. The available diagnostic strategies are morphologic imaging, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound techniques, and molecular imaging, including scintigraphy with (111)In-pentetreotide and positron emission tomography with (68)Ga-DOTA-peptides, (18)F-DOPA and (11)C-5-HTP. A combination of anatomic and functional techniques is routinely performed to optimize sensitivity and specificity. The introduction of diffusion-weighted MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced techniques represents a promising advance in radiologic imaging, whereas new receptor-binding peptides, including somatostatin agonists and antagonists, represent the recent most favorable innovation in molecular imaging. Future development includes the short-term validation of these techniques, but in extension also a more comprehensive multilevel integration of biologic information pertaining to a specific tumor and patient, possibly encompassing genomic considerations, currently evolving as a new entity denoted 'precision medicine'. The ideal is a diagnostic sequence that captures the global status of an individual's tumor and encompasses a multidimensional characterization of tumor location, metabolic performance and target identification. To date, advances in imagery have focused on increasing resolution, discrimination and functional characterization. In the future, the fusion of imagery with the parallel analysis of biological and genomic information has the potential to considerably amplify diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bodei
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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14
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Kaemmerer D, Posorski N, von Eggeling F, Ernst G, Hörsch D, Baum RP, Prasad V, Langer R, Esposito I, Klöppel G, Sehner S, Knösel T, Hommann M. The search for the primary tumor in metastasized gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm. Clin Exp Metastasis 2014; 31:817-27. [PMID: 25098566 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-014-9672-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) often present as liver metastasis from a carcinoma of unknown primary. We recently showed that primary NETs from the pancreas, small intestine and stomach as well as their respective liver metastases differ from each other by the expression profile of the three genes CD302, PPWD1 and ABHB14B. The gene and protein expression of CD302, PPWD1, and ABHB14B was studied in abdominal NET metastases to identify the site of the respective primary tumors. Cryopreserved tissue from NET metastases collected in different institutions (group A: 29, group B: 50, group C: 132 specimens) were examined by comparative genomic hybridization (Agilent 105 K), gene expression analysis (Agilent 44 K) (groups A and B) and immunohistochemistry (group C). The data were blindly evaluated, i.e. without knowing the site of the primary. Gene expression analysis correctly revealed the primary in the ileum in 94 % of the cases of group A and in 58 % of group B. A pancreatic primary was predicted in 83 % (group A) and 20 % (group B), respectively. The combined sensitivity of group A and B was 75 % for ileal NETs and 38 % for pancreatic NETs. Immunohistochemical analysis of group C revealed an overall sensitivity of 80 %. Gene and protein expression analysis of CD302 and PPWD1 in NET metastases correctly identifies the primary in the pancreas or the ileum in 80 % of the cases, provided that the tissue is well preserved. Immunohistochemical profiling revealed CD302 as the best marker for ileal and PPWD1 for pancreatic detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kaemmerer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Robert-Koch-Allee 9, 99437, Bad Berka, Germany,
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de Herder WW. GEP-NETS update: functional localisation and scintigraphy in neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (GEP-NETs). Eur J Endocrinol 2014; 170:R173-83. [PMID: 24723670 DOI: 10.1530/eje-14-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (GEP) (GEP-NETs), excellent care should ideally be provided by a multidisciplinary team of skilled health care professionals. In these patients, a combination of nuclear medicine imaging and conventional radiological imaging techniques is usually mandatory for primary tumour visualisation, tumour staging and evaluation of treatment. In specific cases, as in patients with occult insulinomas, sampling procedures can provide a clue as to where to localise the insulin-hypersecreting pancreatic NETs. Recent developments in these fields have led to an increase in the detection rate of primary GEP-NETs and their metastatic deposits. Radiopharmaceuticals targeted at specific tumour cell properties and processes can be used to provide sensitive and specific whole-body imaging. Functional imaging also allows for patient selection for receptor-based therapies and prediction of the efficacy of such therapies. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission CT/CT are used to map functional images with anatomical localisations. As a result, tumour imaging and tumour follow-up strategies can be optimised for every individual GEP-NET patient. In some cases, functional imaging might give indications with regard to future tumour behaviour and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter W de Herder
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Toumpanakis C, Kim MK, Rinke A, Bergestuen DS, Thirlwell C, Khan MS, Salazar R, Oberg K. Combination of cross-sectional and molecular imaging studies in the localization of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Neuroendocrinology 2014; 99:63-74. [PMID: 24458014 DOI: 10.1159/000358727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging modalities exploit aspects of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) pathophysiology for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes. The characteristic metabolic pathways of NET determine which tracers are useful for their visualization. In this review, we summarize the diagnostic value of all available molecular imaging studies, present data about their use in daily practice in NET centers globally, and finally make recommendations about the appropriate use of those modalities in specific clinical scenarios. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) continues to have a central role in the diagnostic workup of patients with NET, as it is also widely available. However, and despite the lack of prospective randomized studies, many NET experts predict that Gallium-68 ((68)Ga)-DOTA positron emission tomography (PET) techniques may replace SRS in the future, not only because of their technical advantages, but also because they are superior in patients with small-volume disease, in patients with skeletal metastases, and in those with occult primary tumors. Carbon-11 ((11)C)-5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) PET and (18)F-dihydroxyphenylalanine ((18)F-DOPA) PET are new molecular imaging techniques of limited availability, and based on retrospective data, their sensitivities seem to be inferior to that of (68)Ga-DOTA PET. Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor imaging seems promising for localization of the primary in benign insulinomas, but is currently available only in a few centers. Fluorine-18 ((18)F)-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) PET was initially thought to be of limited value in NET, due to their usually slow-growing nature. However, according to subsequent data, (18)F-FDG PET is particularly helpful for visualizing the more aggressive NET, such as poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, and well-differentiated tumors with Ki67 values >10%. According to limited data, (18)F-FDG-avid tumor lesions, even in slow-growing NET, may indicate a more aggressive disease course. When a secondary malignancy has already been established or is strongly suspected, combining molecular imaging techniques (e.g. (18)F-FDG PET and (68)Ga-DOTA PET) takes advantage of the diverse avidities of different tumor types to differentiate lesions of different origins. All the above-mentioned molecular imaging studies should always be reviewed and interpreted in a multidisciplinary (tumor board) meeting in combination with the conventional cross-sectional imaging, as the latter remains the imaging of choice for the evaluation of treatment response and disease follow-up.
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Sharma P, Singh H, Bal C, Kumar R. PET/CT imaging of neuroendocrine tumors with (68)Gallium-labeled somatostatin analogues: An overview and single institutional experience from India. Indian J Nucl Med 2014; 29:2-12. [PMID: 24591775 PMCID: PMC3928745 DOI: 10.4103/0972-3919.125760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms characterized by overexpression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). Functional imaging plays a crucial role in management of NETs. Recently, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with (68)Gallium ((68)Ga)-labeled somatostatin analogues has shown excellent results for imaging of NETs and better results than conventional SSTR scintigraphy. In this review we have discussed the utility of (68)Ga-labeled somatostatin analogue PET/CT in NETs for various established and potential indications. In addition we have also shared our own experience from a tertiary care center in India.
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Key Words
- 68Gallium-labeled [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]-NaI3-octreotide
- 68Gallium-labeled [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]-Phe1-Tyr3-Octreotide
- 68Gallium-labeled [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]-Tyr3-Octreotate
- Neuroendocrine tumor
- PET/CT
- somatostatin receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit Sharma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Harmandeep Singh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandrasekhar Bal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Imperiale A, Rust E, Gabriel S, Detour J, Goichot B, Duclos B, Kurtz JE, Bachellier P, Namer IJ, Taïeb D. 18F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine PET/CT in patients with neuroendocrine tumors of unknown origin: relation to tumor origin and differentiation. J Nucl Med 2013; 55:367-72. [PMID: 24343986 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.113.126896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED This work was performed to evaluate the performance of (18)F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine ((18)F-FDOPA) PET/CT in detecting primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) occult on morphologic and functional imaging, in relation to tumor origin and differentiation. METHODS A retrospective study of NET patients who were investigated with (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT imaging in 2 academic endocrine tumor centers was conducted. Only patients with negative conventional and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) results were studied. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients were evaluated with (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT, 23 at their initial staging and 4 during their follow-up. The primary occult NET was localized by (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT in 12 patients (overall sensitivity, 44%; 52% in patients evaluated at initial diagnosis), leading to tumor resection in all cases. The primary tumors were distributed and graded as follows: 1 duodenum G2 lesion, 7 ileum G2 lesions, 2 terminal ileum G1 lesions, 1 pancreas G2 lesion, and 1 gallbladder G3 lesion. Patients with positive (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT results had higher values of serum chromogranin A (100% vs. 20%, P = 0.0003), serotonin, or urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (83% vs. 20%, P = 0.003). Two false-negative results were related to poorly differentiated duodenal and prostatic NETs (G3). (18)F-FDOPA PET/CT showed more metastatic anatomic regions than SRS in 17 patients. CONCLUSION (18)F-FDOPA PET appears to be a sensitive functional imaging tool for the detection of primary NETs occult on SRS, especially tumors with a well-differentiated pattern and serotonin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Imperiale
- Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine, Hautepierre University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
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Velikyan I. Prospective of ⁶⁸Ga-radiopharmaceutical development. Theranostics 2013; 4:47-80. [PMID: 24396515 PMCID: PMC3881227 DOI: 10.7150/thno.7447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) experienced accelerated development and has become an established method for medical research and clinical routine diagnostics on patient individualized basis. Development and availability of new radiopharmaceuticals specific for particular diseases is one of the driving forces of the expansion of clinical PET. The future development of the ⁶⁸Ga-radiopharmaceuticals must be put in the context of several aspects such as role of PET in nuclear medicine, unmet medical needs, identification of new biomarkers, targets and corresponding ligands, production and availability of ⁶⁸Ga, automation of the radiopharmaceutical production, progress of positron emission tomography technologies and image analysis methodologies for improved quantitation accuracy, PET radiopharmaceutical regulations as well as advances in radiopharmaceutical chemistry. The review presents the prospects of the ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceutical development on the basis of the current status of these aspects as well as wide range and variety of imaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Velikyan
- 1. Preclinical PET Platform, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, SE-75183 Uppsala, Sweden
- 2. PET-Centre, Centre for Medical Imaging, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-75185, Uppsala, Sweden
- 3. Department of Radiology, Oncology, and Radiation Science, Uppsala University, SE-75285 Uppsala, Sweden
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