Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and somatostatin therapy in the evaluation and treatment of malignant thymoma

Abstract

Purpose: This report illustrates the potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and therapy with somatostatin.

Methods: In-111 pentetreotide (In-111 octreotide), a somatostatin analog, was used to define the receptor status and the extent of disease in a case of malignant thymoma.

Results: Subsequent treatment with nonradioactive somatostatin inhibited tumor growth.

Conclusion: In-111 octreotide may be useful to define tumor receptor status and may provide prognostic information useful in determining subsequent therapy.