BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: The SST analogues were accumulated in areas matching pathologic tissue in the nasopharynx. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the tissue samples proved the overexpression of SSTRs. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: The SST analogues were accumulated in areas matching pathologic tissue in the nasopharynx. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the tissue samples proved the overexpression of SSTRs. CONCLUSIONS: 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.