Octreotide scan
Encyclopedia
An octreotide scan or octreoscan is a type of scintigraphy
used to find carcinoid
and other types of tumors and to localize sarcoidosis. Octreotide
, a drug similar to somatostatin
, is radiolabeled with indium-111, and is injected into a vein
and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin. A radiation-measuring device detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor
cells are in the body.
It is also called somatostatin receptor
scintigraphy and SRS.
Scintigraphy
Scintigraphy is a form of diagnostic test used in nuclear medicine, wherein radioisotopes are taken internally, and the emitted radiation is captured by external detectors to form two-dimensional images...
used to find carcinoid
Carcinoid
Carcinoid is a slow-growing type of neuroendocrine tumor, originating in the cells of the neuroendocrine system.In 2000, the World Health Organization redefined "carcinoid", but this new definition has not been accepted by all practitioners. This has led to some complexity in distinguishing...
and other types of tumors and to localize sarcoidosis. Octreotide
Octreotide
Octreotide is an octapeptide that mimics natural somatostatin pharmacologically, though it is a more potent inhibitor of growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin than the natural hormone...
, a drug similar to somatostatin
Somatostatin
Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that regulates the endocrine system and affects neurotransmission and cell proliferation via interaction with G-protein-coupled somatostatin receptors and inhibition of the release of numerous secondary hormones.Somatostatin...
, is radiolabeled with indium-111, and is injected into a vein
Vein
In the circulatory system, veins are blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart; exceptions are the pulmonary and umbilical veins, both of which carry oxygenated blood to the heart...
and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin. A radiation-measuring device detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
cells are in the body.
It is also called somatostatin receptor
Somatostatin receptor
There are five known somatostatin receptors:* SST1 * SST2 * SST3 * SST4 * SST5 All are G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptors.-External links:...
scintigraphy and SRS.
External links
- Octreotide scan entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms