Somatostatinomas Medication

Updated: Oct 01, 2019
  • Author: Praveen K Roy, MD, MSc; Chief Editor: Praveen K Roy, MD, MSc  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Streptozocin, 5-FU, and doxorubicin are the agents most commonly used in the treatment of somatostatin-secreting pancreatic neoplasms. Although 50% of patients may sustain a partial humoral and tumor response, the reported numbers are too small to reliably judge efficacy.

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Antineoplastic agents

Class Summary

Inhibit cell growth and proliferation.

Streptozocin (Zanosar)

Antineoplastic agent used in other gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (including pancreatic islet cell and carcinoid tumors).

Fluorouracil (Adrucil)

Fluorinated pyrimidine antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and also interferes with RNA synthesis and function. Has some effect on DNA. Useful in symptom palliation for patients with progressive disease.

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex)

Inhibits topoisomerase II and produces free radicals, which may cause the destruction of DNA. The combination of these two events can inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells.

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