CT and MRI

Well-recognized and widely available options1-3

Computed tomography (CT): CT is a widely available tool for the localization and staging of solid neoplasms, including NETs. Triple-phase CT images may be obtained with a helical or spiral scanner.1,2,4 Scanning should be performed with a contrast medium; however, in the absence of contrast media, NETs can be isodense with surrounding tissue.1

Using CT scanning to localize NETs, or for surgical candidates as part of preoperative planning, may help identify the spread of the disease.1 Spiral CT, in particular, has demonstrated effectiveness in identifying liver, lymph node, and bone metastases.5

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is a well-recognized imaging technique, useful in the localization of NETs and their metastases.1-3

Injection of a contrast medium (such as gadolinium) facilitates the visualization of NETs, as these tumors may appear isointense with the surrounding tissue.6

One advantage of MRI over CT is in the detection of hepatic metastases.3

 

The NET Alliance

A Novartis Oncology initiative dedicated to helping transform the management of neuroendocrine tumors.

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Monitoring NETs

Multidisciplinary Approach

Many of the same tools that can be used to diagnose NETs can be helpful in monitoring them.

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A Multidisciplinary Approach

Multidisciplinary Approach

"...the many treatments that are out there...really involve more than one decision by one specialty. It really involves
an integration."

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1. Reznek RH. CT/MRI of neuroendocrine tumors. Cancer Imaging. 2006;6:S163-S177.
2. Dromain C, de Baere T, Lumbroso J, et al. Detection of liver metastases from endocrine tumors: a prospective comparison of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(1):70-78.
3. Gibril F, Jensen RT. Comparative analysis of diagnostic techniques for localization of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Yale J Biol Med. 1997;70(2):509-522.
1. Reznek RH. CT/MRI of neuroendocrine tumors. Cancer Imaging. 2006;6:S163-S177.
2. Dromain C, de Baere T, Lumbroso J, et al. Detection of liver metastases from endocrine tumors: a prospective comparison of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(1):70-78.
3. Gibril F, Jensen RT. Comparative analysis of diagnostic techniques for localization of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Yale J Biol Med. 1997;70(2):509-522.
4. Kaltsas GA, Besser GM, Grossman AB. The diagnosis and medical management of advanced neuroendocrine tumors. Endocr Rev. 2004;25:458-511.
5. Kumbasar B, Kamel R, Tekes A, Eng J, Fishman EK, Wahl RL. Imaging of neuroendocrine tumors: accuracy of helical CT versus SRS. Abdom Imaging. 2004;29(6):696-702.
6. Bader TR, Semelka RC, Chiu VCY, Armao DM, Woosley JT. MRI of carcinoid tumors: spectrum of appearances in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2001;14(3):261-269.