Acta oncologica
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To further investigate the antineoplastic efficacy and safety of somatostatin analogues, 2 trials were performed. Octreotide, SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin), was escalated in doses ranging from 1,500 micrograms to 6,000 micrograms daily in 14 patients with carcinoid. Somatuline, (BIM 23014C, Angiopeptin, Lanreotide) was given in doses ranging from 2,250 micrograms to 9,000 micrograms daily to 13 neuroendocrine patients (6 carcinoid, 2 atypical carcinoid, 3 pancreatic islet cell and 2 small cell lung cancer patients). ⋯ Somatuline resulted in a partial response in 4 patients (2 carcinoids, 1 gastrinoma and 1 small cell lung cancer) (31%), stable disease in 1 atypical carcinoid, and progressive disease in 8 (4 carcinoid, 1 atypical carcinoid, 2 islet cell and 1 multi-drug resistant small cell lung cancer). Six of the 8 carcinoid patients had radiographic changes of increased necrosis. Dose escalation of somatostatin analogues is well tolerated and may be associated with antitumor activity in some neuroendocrine neoplasms.