Indium-III octreotide scintigraphy of Merkel cell carcinomas and their metastases

摘要: Summary Background Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) may be of interest for staging Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). This study was undertaken to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity SRS determine its role compared conventional investigations. Patients methods From 1993 December 2000, 20 patients (10 females 10 males, aged from 38 88, mean 66 years) were included prospectively. At time SRS: 12 had been diagnosed as having stage I disease, 6 II 4 III. Two two studies during course their disease. performed with Indium-111 pentetreotide (Octreoscan®), a radiolabelled somatostatin analogue. treated according clinical stage. A regular follow-up scheduled every three months. Results depicted MCC tumour sites an overall 78% (95% confidence interval (CI): 40%–97%) 96% (81%–100%). The histopathological diagnosis used gold standard. Sites visualised by those detected modalities data all stages: four out five primary sites, six eight lymph node no skin metastases (14 in 2 patients), thoracic zero hepatic metastases. did not influence treatment decision-making any cases. Conclusions Although seems highly specific could help difficult cases, it cannot recommended routine evaluation.