Expert opinion on drug safety
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Lanreotide autogel is a synthetic somatostatin analogue which has been FDA and EMA approved for unresectable, well to moderately differentiated, locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Its action is mediated by its affinity to somatostatin receptors, especially sst2 and sst5 receptors. Its longer half-life offers the convenience of 4-week dosing over the need for frequent injections of short-acting somatostatin analogues. ⋯ Expert opinion: Lanreotide is highly effective in managing carcinoid symptoms and has a robust anti-tumor effect in NET. Overall, it is well tolerated with low rates of treatment discontinuation due to toxicity. It's toxicity profile is mostly predictable, and patients should be informed of the transient nature of some of the upfront toxicities.