PMID-29872467 – Octreotide Review Use in Treating NETs

PMID-29872467 – Octreotide Review Use in Treating NETs

Broder MS, Beenhouwer D, Guenther JR, Neary MP, Cherepanov D. Octreotide – A Review of its Use in Treating Neuroendocrine Tumours. Eur Endocrinol. 2018;14(2):87-92.

Quick Reference

Property Value
PMID 29872467
DOI 10.17925/EE.2018.14.2.87
Year 2018
Journal European Endocrinology
Study Type Narrative Review
Evidence Level V
Sample N/A (review article)
Peptide(s) Studied Octreotide

Key Findings

  • Comprehensive review summarizing three decades of octreotide use in NETs since FDA approval in 1988
  • Octreotide controls carcinoid syndrome symptoms (diarrhea, flushing) in 60-70% of patients
  • PROMID trial confirmed antiproliferative effect (HR 0.34 for tumor progression)
  • Octreotide LAR depot formulation allows monthly dosing, improving compliance over thrice-daily subcutaneous injections
  • Side effects are generally manageable: gallstone formation (15-30%), injection site reactions, GI disturbances, and transient hyperglycemia
  • Escape phenomenon (tachyphylaxis) may occur in some patients over time, requiring dose adjustment or switch to alternative agents

Study Design

Narrative review of published literature on octreotide for NETs, covering pharmacology, clinical trial data, formulation development, and current guideline recommendations. Focused on both antisecretory and antiproliferative evidence.

Limitations

  • Narrative review without systematic search methodology
  • May not capture all relevant studies or provide quantitative synthesis
  • Industry-funded review, which may influence presentation of evidence

Clinical Relevance

This review provides a practical clinical overview of octreotide in NET management, including the evolution from symptom control to established antiproliferative therapy. Useful reference for clinicians initiating patients on somatostatin analog therapy, covering formulation choices, dosing strategies, and management of common side effects.

Related

#research #narrative-review #octreotide #evidence-level-V