Nuclear Medicine scans: There are 2 specific types of neuroendocrine cancer cells - well-differentiated (NET) and poorly-differentiated (NEC). Most NET cells (particularly Grade 1-2 NETs) have receptors on their surface that attract a drug called Octreotide. When this drug is injected into the body it will travel round and latch on to these receptors. However, Octreotide cannot be seen on scans, so it is mixed with a mildly radioactive particle - called an isotope or tracer - that will then show up where the tracer has travelled to when an Octreotide or Gallium scanner is used. Grade 3 NETs and NECs may not have the same receptor sensitivity to Octreotide as lower Grade NETs. They also have a higher cell turnover. Therefore, another form of PET scan, such as that used in more common cancers, an FDG- PET, may be considered. Please note that for Grade 3 NETs (and some Grade 2) both types of PET (e.g. Gallium-Dotatate and FDG) scan may be used to plot disease distribution accurately and inform treatment planning - they may show a mixed pattern of uptake.
Click here for further patient information about Nuclear Medicine from the BNMS (British Nuclear Medicine Society)
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