An immunohistochemical investigation of the expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes – should therapeutic trials be performed to determine the efficacy of somatostatin analogs…

Abstract Abstract Somatostatin and its analogs through the specific receptor are known to demonstrate antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic actions. The presence of SSTR-1–5 has not been sufficiently explored in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid tumors. The aim was to investigate the SSTR subtypes expression in these aggressive thyroid tumors. The study also discusses the usefulness of SSTR analogs as an alternative to conventional forms of therapy. Methods: The analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry on the 14 archived poorly differentiated and 4 anaplastic thyroid carcino…