Established and potential therapeutic applications of octreotide in palliative care.

Abstract

Octreotide acetate was developed as a pharmacologically stable, long-acting analogue of the hormone somatostatin. Mimicking the actions of somatostatin, octreotide has been used for its antisecretory effects. Randomized control trials have established the efficacy of octreotide for malignant bowel obstruction and for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Octreotide has proven to be an effective agent for symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Newer uses include for bone marrow transplantation, infectious diarrheal syndromes, and management of hepatic metastases. More evidence is needed for the establishment of its efficacy for hypercalcemia, pain, pleural effusions, diarrhea after celiac plexus block, and malignant ascites.

• Authors: Eric E Prommer
• Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Support Care Cancer) Vol. 16 Issue 10 Pg. 1117-23 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 0941-4355 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 18256859 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
• Octreotide

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Drug Interactions
• Humans
• Neoplasms (complications)
• Octreotide (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Palliative Care