Scintimammography with 11beta-methoxy-(17alpha,20Z)-[123I]iodovinylestrad iol: a complementary role to 99mTc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile in the characterization of breast tumors.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between 99mTc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) uptake and the estrogen receptor (ER) status of breast tumors as determined by 11beta-methoxy-(17alpha,20Z)-[123I]iodovinylestradi ol (MIVE) scintimammography.

METHODS

Thirteen patients referred for MIVE scintimammography after abnormal mammography or finding of a suspect mass on physical examination were injected intravenously with MIVE. Planar images of the breasts and axillary region were taken with both radiopharmaceuticals and compared with pathologic examination of the tumor tissue and in vitro ER quantification.

RESULTS

The presence of cancerous tissue, as indicated by MIBI uptake, is a prerequisite for the accumulation of MIVE by the breast tumors. There was no statistically significant correlation between the MIBI and MIVE tumor uptake ratios. However, the latter correlate well with the presence of ER, as determined by an in vitro assay.

CONCLUSION

MIVE scans add unique information concerning the tumor ER status in breast cancer patients, which could contribute to a better characterization of the tumor and aid in the selection of the most appropriate treatment protocol.