Clinical Benefits of Above‐Standard Dose of Octreotide LAR in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors for Control of Carcinoid Syndrome Symptoms: A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review Study. (5th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Strosberg, Jonathan R.; Benson, Al B.; Huynh, Lynn; Duh, Mei Sheng; Goldman, Jamie; Sahai, Vaibhav; Rademaker, Alfred W.; Kulke, Matthew H.
• Is Part Of: Oncologist. Volume 19:Number 9(2014)
• Page Start: 930
• Page End: 936
• Publication Date: 2014-08-05
• Subjects: Neuroendocrine tumor -- Carcinoid syndrome symptoms -- Somatostatin analogs -- Flushing -- Diarrhea -- Above‐standard dose; Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Tumeurs -- Périodiques; Oncology; Tumors; Neoplasms; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1083-7159

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Octreotide LAR is used in patients for control of carcinoid syndrome (CS) and other symptoms of hormone hypersecretion. The aim of this study was to examine reasons for octreotide LAR dose escalation and observe CS symptom improvement in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) who underwent octreotide LAR dose escalation at three cancer referral centers. Methods: Medical records for patients with diagnosis of carcinoid or pancreatic NET who had received one dose or more of octreotide LAR above 30 mg every 4 weeks from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed. Reasons for dose escalation and symptomatic outcomes were abstracted for each patient 3 months prior to and up to 12 months following the dose escalation. Results: Of the evaluated 239 NET patients, 53% were male, mean age at first dose escalation was 60 years (standard deviation [SD]: 11 years), and mean time from octreotide LAR initiation to first dose escalation was 1.7 years (SD: 2.0 years). The primary reasons reported for dose escalation were carcinoid or hormonal syndrome (62%) or radiographic progression (28%). The most common dose changes at the first dose escalation were 40 mg every 4 weeks (71%) and 60 mg every 4 weeks (18%). Of 90 patients in whom flushing was reported prior to first dose escalation, 73 (81%) were reported to have experienced improvement or resolution of their symptoms following the dose escalation. Of 107 patients who were reported to have experienced diarrhea before the first dose escalation, 85 (79%) were reported to have experienced improvement or resolution after first dose escalation. Conclusion: The goal of improved symptom control is a common reason for dose escalation of octreotide LAR. This study suggests that escalation to above the standard dose of octreotide LAR of 30 mg every 4 weeks may result in improved CS symptom control. Abstract : The goal of improved symptom control is a common reason for dose escalation of octreotide LAR above 30 mg every 4 weeks. This study examined reasons for octreotide LAR dose escalation and observed carcinoid syndrome symptom improvement in patients with neuroendocrine tumors who underwent octreotide LAR dose escalation. Results showed that patients may experience improved symptom control following dose escalation above the standard doses.