Treatment of the Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome

Abstract

We studied the effects of a long-acting analogue of somatostatin (SMS 201–995, Sandoz) in 25 patients with histologically proved metastatic carcinoid tumors and the carcinoid syndrome. This drug was self-administered by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 150 μg three times daily. Flushing and diarrhea associated with the syndrome were promptly relieved in 22 patients. All 25 patients had an elevated 24-hour urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) (mean, 265 mg per 24 hours; range, 14 to 1079), which served as an objective indicator of disease activity. Eighteen of the 25 patients (72 percent) had a decrease of 50 percent or more in their urinary 5-HIAA levels, as compared with the pretreatment values. The median duration of this biochemical response was more than 12 months (range, 1 to >18). Since no serious toxicity was observed, we conclude that SMS 201–995 may be appropriate for use as early therapy in patients with symptoms due to the carcinoid syndrome who have not responded to simpler measures. (N Engl J Med 315:663–6.)