The antiproliferative effect of somatostatin analogs : clinical relevance in patients with neuroendocrine gastro-entero-pancreatic tumours
| Journal | Volume 72 - 2009 |
| Issue | Fasc.1 - Case series |
| Author(s) | C. Verslype, S. Carton, I. Borbath, T. Delaunoit, P. Demetter, G. Demolin, A. Hendlisz, P. Pattyn, S. Pauwels, M. Peeters, G. Roeyen, Ph. Van Hootegem, J.L. Van Laethem, E. Van Cutsem |
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| (1) Department of Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven ; (2) Department of Gastroenterology, St. Maarten Hospital, Mechelen ; (3) Department of Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels ; (4) Department of Gastroenterology and Medical Oncology, Jolimont Hospital, Haine- St-Paul ; (5) Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Anderlecht ; (6) Department of Gastroenterology and Oncology, C.H.C. St. Joseph, Liège ; (7) Medical Oncology Clinic, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels ; (8) Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, University Hospital Gent, Gent ; (9) Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels ; (10) Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Gent, Gent ; (11) Department of Hepatobiliary, Endocrine and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem ; (12) Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, St. Lucas Hospital, Brugge ; (13) Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit, Erasme University Hospital, Anderlecht ; (14) Department of Digestive Oncology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven. |
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Somatostatin analogs (ssAs) have an important role in the management of patients with neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (GEP NETs). These compounds can control the symptoms induced by the production of hormones and peptides. The antiproliferative effects of ssAs and especially tumour shrinkage are less obvious in patients with GEP NETs than in those with acromegaly. However, based upon phase II experi- ence there is a strong suggestion of a disease stabilizing effect of ssAs in selected patients. Those patients with a progressive, non- functional GEP NET, positive octreotide scintigraphy, a low prolif- eration index and in the absence of surgical options may benefit from a first-line medical therapy with ssAs. The exploration of the mechanisms of this effect are unclear and hampered by the lack of suitable preclinical models. The better understanding of the tumour biology of GEP NETs, together with the development of new ssAs with better affinity on all somatostatin receptors, represent an unmet medical need. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2009, 72, 54-58). |
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