Utility of radiolabeled somatostatin receptor analogues for staging/restaging and treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive pediatric tumors

In this paper, we review the pediatric oncologic applications of somatostatin receptor - targeted imaging and therapy. Somatostatin receptors are expressed in high densities by embryonal tumors, such as neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma, and neuroendocrine tumors like carcinoids and islet cell tumors. We first review the distribution of these receptors in normal tissues and tumor cells. We then discuss the technique of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) in the pediatric population. Next, the specific clinical applications of SRS with regard to the imaging of neuroblastoma, central nervous system tumors, and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors of childhood are discussed. Finally, we discuss the potential role of somatostatin receptor - targeted radiotherapy for improving the duration and quality of life of children with these tumors.