Abstract
Somatostatin receptors (SS-Rs) are expressed in neuroendocrine tumour tissues where they can be targetted for diagnosis and therapy. This study investigated the presence of SS-Rs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a common cancer in South-East Asia. Nasopharynx biopsy specimens were obtained from 12 NPC patients and 5 patients without tumours. Somatostatin receptor autoradiography was performed using (125)I-labelled [Tyr(3)]-octreotide and (125)I-labelled [Leu(8), DTrp(22), Tyr(25)]-somatostatin-28 as radioligands. Of the 12 NPC samples 9 showed moderate to high expression of SS-Rs. These were of the sst(2) type, based on the rank order of potency of subtype-selective analogues. The 5 non-neoplastic samples, consisting primarily of granulomatous tissue, did not express measurable amounts of SS-Rs. This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of type 2 SS-R in NPC. These receptors may play a role in the management of NPC, as is the case for other somatostatin-expressing tumours.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
