Role of imaging test with radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas

Radionuclide imaging tests with [123I] Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), [18F] -fluorodeoxyglucose, [18F]-fluorodopa, or 68Ga-DOTA(0)-Tyr(3)-octreotate are useful for the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) (PPGLs). In addition to their ability to detect and localize the disease, they allow a better molecular characterization of the tumours, which is useful for planning targeted therapy with iodine-131 (131I) -labelled MIBG or with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu]-labelled DOTATATE or other related agents in patients with metastatic disease. In this review we detail the main characteristics of the radiopharmaceuticals used in the functional study of PPGLs and the role of nuclear medicine tests for initial evaluation, staging, selection of patients for targeted molecular therapy, and radiation therapy planning. It also offers a series of practical recommendations regarding the functional imaging according to the different clinical and genetic scenarios in which PPGLs occur, and on the indications and efficacy of therapy with [131I]-MIBG and 177Lu-DOTATATE.