Neuroendocrine Differentiation of Prostate Cancer Metastases Evidenced "in Vivo" by 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT: Two Cases

World J Oncol. 2014 Apr;5(2):72-76. doi: 10.14740/wjon739w. Epub 2014 May 6.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in men. This neoplasm has usually excellent prognosis, mostly consequent to the early diagnosis and the effective hormonal therapy. However, significant percentages of patients treated with total androgen blockade therapy, escape to treatment and evolve toward a more aggressive type of cancer. This clinical entity, named castration-resistant prostate cancer, has few and less effective therapeutic opportunities. Therefore, any additional information concerning possible biological targets to therapy is welcome. Here we describe two cases in which 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT evidenced the somatostatin receptor overexpression by prostate metastases. The presence of these receptors may support with a more strong evidence the possibility to administer somatostatin analogs as an adjuvant therapy.

Keywords: Castration-resistant prostate cancer; Positron emission tomography; Somatostatin receptors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports