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An octreotide scan is a type of SPECT scintigraphy used to find carcinoid, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and to localize sarcoidosis. It is also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS).
What is octreotide scintigraphy?
If your doctor is concerned that you may have a neuroendocrine tumour, they may refer you for an octreotide scan to help detect whether a tumour is present. If you are known to have a neuroendocrine tumour, an octreotide scan can help determine whether your treatment is working. How do I prepare for an octreotide scan?
What is an octreotide scan for neuroendocrine tumors?
The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin (i.e. gastrinoma, glucagonoma, etc). A gamma camera detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor cells are in the body.
How is a radioactive octreotide used to diagnose cancer?
Octreotide scans are reported to have a sensitivity between 75 percent and 100 percent for detecting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Patients who were receiving the drug called octreotide acetate should discontinue therapy 24 to 48 h before the scan, since the agent will result in less-sensitive imaging.
What is the sensitivity of An octreotide scan?
What can an octreotide scan show?
An octreotide scan has shown to localize 86% carcinoids, 89% neuroblastomas, 86% pheochromocytomas, 94% paragangliomas, and 80% primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). Its utility in detecting medullary thyroid carcinomas and pituitary tumors is comparatively less.
Why is an octreotide scan done?
An octreotide scan is used to detect and monitor treatment of neuroendocrine tumours, which arise from cells that produce hormones that are carried in the bloodstream. Many of these tumours are benign (non-cancerous), but some are malignant and can spread around the body.
How accurate is octreotide scan?
Octreotide scans are reported to have a sensitivity between 75 percent and 100 percent for detecting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
How long does it take to have an octreotide scan?
This scan takes about 20 minutes. These images will be shown to the radiologist and the radiologist will determine if another set of images is needed on this day. If needed, the technologist will take another set of images called a SPECT/CT.
Is neuroendocrine tumors cancerous?
Overview. Neuroendocrine tumors are cancers that begin in specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells have traits similar to those of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and can occur anywhere in the body.
What is the difference between a PET scan and an octreotide scan?
Conclusions Ga PET/CT is more accurate for staging and superior to Octreoscan SPECT in the detection of overall number of lesions in the body as well as organs and bones. Ga PET/CT also allows for calculation of standardized uptake value, has less whole body radiation, and is performed in less time versus Octreoscan.
What were your symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?
Carcinoid syndrome causes redness or a feeling of warmth in your face and neck (skin flushing), chronic diarrhea, and difficulty breathing, among other signs and symptoms. Carcinoid heart disease. Carcinoid tumors may secrete hormones that can cause thickening of the lining of heart chambers, valves and blood vessels.
Does CT scan show carcinoid tumors?
Computed tomography (CT) scan A CT scan is most often used to look at the chest and/or belly (abdomen) to see if GI neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver. It can also be used to guide a biopsy needle into an area of concern..
How does octreotide work in neuroendocrine tumors?
Octreotide is a synthetic version of somatostatin (a somatostatin analogue) and slows down the production of hormones. This helps to control the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and slow down the growth of the cancer.
What are the side effects of octreotide?
Octreotide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:diarrhea.constipation.pale, bulky, foul-smelling stools.constantly feeling the need to empty the bowels.gas.stomach pain.nausea.heartburn.More items...•
Is octreotide a chemotherapy drug?
Drug type: Octreotide is hormone drug that is used to treat some types of cancer. This medication is classified as a somatostatin analog.
What is carcinoid syndrome?
Overview. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when a rare cancerous tumor called a carcinoid tumor secretes certain chemicals into your bloodstream, causing a variety of signs and symptoms. A carcinoid tumor, which is a type of neuroendocrine tumor, occurs most often in the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs.
How does octreotide work in neuroendocrine tumors?
Octreotide is a synthetic version of somatostatin (a somatostatin analogue) and slows down the production of hormones. This helps to control the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and slow down the growth of the cancer.
Why is octreotide used in GI bleed?
Octreotide inhibits both acid and pepsin secretion. As a result, it prevents the dissolution of freshly formed clots at the site of bleeding [5].
What is carcinoid syndrome?
Overview. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when a rare cancerous tumor called a carcinoid tumor secretes certain chemicals into your bloodstream, causing a variety of signs and symptoms. A carcinoid tumor, which is a type of neuroendocrine tumor, occurs most often in the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs.
What do PET scans show?
The PET scan uses a radioactive drug (tracer) to show both normal and abnormal metabolic activity. A PET scan can often detect the abnormal metabolism of the tracer in diseases before the disease shows up on other imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What is an Octreotide scan?
An octreotide scan (also called a somatostatin receptor scintigraphy) is a test used to check the body for neuroendocrine tumor cells. This test is done in a Nuclear Medicine department, which is a type of radiology that uses radioactive materials to diagnose or treat diseases.
How long after octreotide injection do you have to undergo a scan?
The radioactive material puts out a low dose of radiation that can be seen with a special scanner (similar to a CT scan). About 4 hours after the injection, the patient will undergo a scan to look for cells that have taken up the octreotide. The patient will lie flat, with a camera taking pictures above and below them.
What is this test used for?
This test is used to look for neuroendocrine cells throughout the body.
What is the drug called that is attached to a radiolabeled IV?
An IV is placed and an injection of octreotide with radioactive material attached to it (called "radiolabeled"), is given. The amount of radiation used is very small. Octreotide is a drug very similar to somatostatin. Cells with somatostatin receptors on their surface will attract and attach to the radiolabeled octreotide.
What is the receptor on a neuroendocrine tumor?
Many neuroendocrine tumors have receptors on their surface for a hormone called somatostatin. When an octreotide scan is done, these receptors are targeted so that neuroendocrine tumor cells can be seen on the scan. Octreotide scans are highly specialized and need radioactive material to be done.
What is the report of a nuclear medicine scan?
Following the scan, the images are processed by a computer and read by a nuclear medicine physician. A report is created. The report states the patient's name, date of birth, and indication (reason for the octreotide scan) at the top of the report. Radiology reports follow a standard outline, regardless of where they are obtained.
How long does a CT scan take?
The scan will take an hour or longer. The test requires multiple scans. The first set of scans are done on the day of the injection. A CT Scan done to create a 3D image of the body. The patient will return for additional scans per their provider’s directions.
What is a octreotide scan?
An octreotide scan is a type of nuclear medicine test that helps detect neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Also called a somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or SRS, this procedure is especially useful in identifying NETs that have spread to the liver.
How long does it take for a radioactive octreotide scan to leave your body?
The radioactive material used with an octreotide scan loses its radioactivity and leaves your body via your urine or stool over the following few days. Ask your care team about any precautions to take during this time period, such as having to avoid being close to children or pregnant women. You’ll likely be asked to drink a lot of water to help flush the material out of your body.
What is the name of the radioactive material that is injected into a vein?
During this procedure, a small amount of octreotide combined with a radioactive material called indium-111 is injected into a vein. Using a special camera, your team is able to see how octreotide attaches to a tumor and pinpoint its location.
How many visits to a nuclear medicine department for octreotide scan?
You may need to make up to three visits to a nuclear medicine department to complete the octreotide scan.
Can you drink water before an octreotide scan?
Ask your care team if you’re able to eat or drink before the test. You may have to drink more water in advance of an octreotide scan.
Can you have an octreotide scan while pregnant?
Tell your care team if you’re pregnant. An octreotide scan isn’t meant for pregnant women because of the dose of radiation given. If you’re breastfeeding, you may have an octreotide scan if you stop breastfeeding and avoid contact with young children and infants for the time period that your doctor tells you.
What is octreotide scan?
An octreotide scan is a type of SPECT scintigraphy used to find carcinoid, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors , and to localize sarcoidosis. It is also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS).
What is the radioactive octreotide?
The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin (i. e. gastrinoma, glucagonoma, etc). A gamma camera detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor cells are in the body.
What is the sensitivity of octeotide scanning?
Octreotide scanning is reported to have a sensitivity between 75% and 100% for detecting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Your appointment
If you make any changes to your insurance before your appointment please call Registrations at 1-866-309-0832. This will help prevent any delays and the need to reschedule your test, as many radiology services need a pre-authorization.
Getting ready for your test
You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
What is an octreotide scan?
An octreotide scan is used to detect and monitor treatment of neuroendocrine tumours, which arise from cells that produce hormones that are carried in the bloodstream. Many of these tumours are benign (non-cancerous), but some are malignant and can spread around the body. Sometimes the abnormal hormones produced by these tumours can produce a variety of unusual symptoms depending on where the tumours are located.
What happens during an octreotide scan?
The scan begins with an injection of a small amount of harmless radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) into a vein in your arm. You will be asked to return in 4 hours for a scan of your whole body.
Why would my doctor refer me to have this scan?
If your doctor is concerned that you may have a neuroendocrine tumour, they may refer you for an octreotide scan to help detect whether a tumour is present.
When can I expect the results of my octreotide scan?
After completing your scan, your referring doctor generally will receive the written report within 24 hours.
What is the name of the tube that is inserted into the arm during a nuclear scan?
The nuclear medicine technologist will discuss the scan with you and a small plastic tube will be inserted into your arm (called an intravenous cannula). The radiopharmaceutical will then be injected through the cannula into your bloodstream.
How long does it take to get a radiation scan?
The scan involves lying on a special bed with cameras (called detectors) moving close to you, but they will not touch you. This takes approximately 20–30 minutes. It is very important that you remain still during the scan. If you know you will have difficulty in remaining still, discuss this with the medical radiation technologist before the start of the scan.
Who interprets nuclear scans?
The nuclear medicine physician (specialist doctor) will interpret your scan images and issue a report to your referring doctor. The physician may speak to you during your scan if additional information about your condition is required.
How many visits to the nuclear medicine department for octreotide scan?
An octreotide scan is used to evaluate the neuroendocrine system and involves three to four visits to the nuclear medicine department.
Do you bring your doctor's order for a scan?
Remember to bring your doctor's written order for the scan on your first visit.
How sensitive are octeotide scans?
Octreotide scans are highly sensitive (85%), especially for metastases, in locating most PETs, with the exception of insulinomas (50% sensitivity).
Why is a CT scan used for gastrinoma?
CT scan with intravenous and oral contrast is routine in the preoperative evaluation for gastrinoma resection to rule out metastatic disease, and its accuracy is dependent on the size of the gastrinoma. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used because it is more sensitive than CT scan for liver metastases.
Why is MRI used for liver metastases?
In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used because it is more sensitive than CT scan for liver metastases. Rarely, partial venous sampling for gastrin has been successful in localizing gastrinoma; however, this is an expensive and cumbersome technique with a risk of complications.
What is the sensitivity of 68 Ga-Dotanoc?
68 Ga-DOTA-peptide conjugates PET/CT is also superior to conventional anatomic imaging (CT/MRI) and 111 In-pentetreotide single-photon emission CT/CT for the detection of GEP-NETs, 51,75,80 with a sensitivity of 95% , 45% and 31%, respectively. 80 It is also superior in N- and M-staging, with a sensitivity of 64%, 39%, and 22%, respectively. 80 Naswa and colleagues evaluated 109 patients with GEP-NETs and compared the role of 68 Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT with that of conventional imaging (contrast-enhanced [CE]-CT, MRI, and ultrasound) in primary tumor and its metastases. For the assessment of primary tumor, they calculated a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of approximately 78%, 93%, 95%, 71%, and 84% for PET/CT versus 64%, 93%, 94%, 60%, and 74%, respectively. For metastatic disease, those values were 98%, 100%, 100%, 94%, and 98% for PET/CT versus 82%, 100%, 100%, 70%, and 87% for conventional imaging, respectively. 79 Moreover, 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT is a promising imaging method for the evaluation of GEP-NETs with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 94%, 89%, 85%, 96%, and 91%, respectively. 81
Is PET radiotracer detected in pancreas?
Even with physiologic uptake of PET radiotracer in the uncinated process of the pancreas, the detection rate of P-NENs is higher (67%), compared with multiphase CE-CT (56%). 51 Although the physiologic tracer distribution within the pancreas gland can be either diffuse or focal, any focal uptake would be suspicious for malignancy. 77 Obtaining a delayed scan may improve diagnostic confidence in these circumstances 84; nonetheless, it might be limited due to the short half-life of 68 Ga (68 min).
Is 68 Ga dotanoc a prognostic factor?
As 68 Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT is a potent technique, the SUV max on this technique is a prognostic factor in these patients. 82 Also, a decreased 68 Ga-DOTATATE uptake in tumors after the first cycle of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) delta SUV (tumor/spleen) predicts time to progression and correlated with an improvement in clinical symptoms. 83
What is octreotide used for?
Octreotide is used to treat acromegaly.
Why is octreotide used for diarrhea?
Octreotide is also used to reduce flushing episodes and watery diarrhea caused by cancerous tumors (carcinoid syndrome) or tumors called vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPomas). Octreotide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I avoid while using octreotide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
How to store octreotide capsules?
Once you have started taking octreotide capsules store them at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each capsule in the blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Take the ampul out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before injecting your dose. Do not heat the ampul.
How old do you have to be to take octreotide?
Octreotide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Where is octreotide injected?
Octreotide injection is injected under the skin, into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.
Can you take octreotide if you are allergic to it?
You should not use octreotide if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: diabetes; gallbladder disease; heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder; thyroid problems; pancreatitis; liver disease; or. kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).