The expanding role of somatostatin analogs in the management of neuroendocrine tumors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms arising most often in the GI tract, pancreas, or lung. Diagnosis of NETs is often delayed until the disease is advanced, because of the variable and nonspecific nature of the initial symptoms. Surgical resection for cure is therefore not an option for most patients.

Methods

Somatostatin analogues represent the cornerstone of therapy for patients with NETs. This article reviews the important role that somatostatin analogues continue to play in the treatment of patients with NETs.

Results

Octreotide was the first somatostatin analogue to be developed; more than 30 years of data have accumulated demonstrating its efficacy and safety. Lanreotide is another somatostatin analogue in clinical use, and pasireotide is a pro

SUBMITTER: Wolin EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3481148 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature