Figure 4
From: Somatostatin receptor expression in Merkel cell carcinoma as target for molecular imaging
Proposed staging algorithm for MCC. SSTR-PET/CT should be considered prior to major surgery for stage III disease and for inoperable stage III and stage IV disease. SSTR-PET/CT should be performed prior to radiopeptide therapy. *Further clinical trials are required comparing DOTATOC/TATE-PET/CT versus FDG-PET/CT. **SSTR-targeted radiation therapy is an experimental treatment for MCC. Further clinical studies are needed.