New Directions in Imaging Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Accurate imaging is crucial for correct diagnosis, staging, and therapy of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The search for the optimal imaging technique has triggered rapid development in the field. This review aims at giving an overview on contemporary imaging methods and providing an outlook on current progresses.

RECENT FINDINGS

The discovery of molecular targets due to the overexpression of specific peptide hormone receptors on the NEN's surface has triggered the development of multiple radionuclide imaging modalities. In addition to the established imaging technique of targeting somatostatin receptors, several alternative radioligands have been developed. Targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor by exendin-4 has a high sensitivity in localizing insulinomas. For dedifferentiated NENs, new molecular targets such as the C-X-C motif chemokine-receptor-4 have been evaluated. Other new targets involve the fibroblast activation protein and the cholecystokinin-2 receptors, where the ligand minigastrin opens new possibilities for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Molecular imaging is an emerging field that improves the management of NENs.