(99m)TC-octreotide scintigraphy and somatostatin receptor subtype expression in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas.

Abstract

The main goal of the study was the analysis of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression on juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) cells and a subsequent analysis of the utility of SST analog-based scintigraphy in JNA diagnostics. Nine JNA cases were analyzed. All tissue samples were analyzed for the expression of SSTRs. In 2 cases, scintigraphy was performed after the intravenous (IV) administration of an SST analog. MRI of the craniofacial region was subsequently performed. The SST analogues were accumulated in areas matching pathologic tissue in the nasopharynx. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the tissue samples proved the overexpression of SSTRs. SSTRs are overexpressed on JNA cells. The SST analog (99m)TC-octreotide is effectively bound to JNA cells. SST analogues might be used in the diagnostics and treatment of primary, recurrent, or residual JNA.