Somatostatin and somatostatin analog scintigraphy: any benefits for rheumatology patients?

Somatostatin is a hormone that regulates several physiological cell processes via specific receptors expressed throughout the body, in particular by nerve cells, many neuroendocrine cells, and cells mediating inflammation and immune responses. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy achieved by administration of somatostatin labeled with a γ-emitting isotope has become an integral part of the work-up and treatment-monitoring program in patients with neuroendocrine tumors, most of which overexpress somatostatin receptors. Several studies have convincingly established that somatostatin receptor scintigraphy benefits patients with a number of chronic inflammatory diseases, including sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases. In the evaluation of hematological diseases and detection of mesenchymatous tumors manifesting as oncogenic osteomalacia, the preliminary results are sufficiently promising to warrant larger studies aimed at defining the role for this noninvasive whole-body imaging technique. In the treatment area, the development of somatostatin analogs with antisecretory and antiproliferative effects has radically changed the management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine and pituitary tumors. The antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of these drugs remain incompletely understood, but may prove useful in a number of autoimmune diseases.