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Octreotide treatment for a malignant islet cell tumor with variable hormone secretion: case report
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, R.O.C.
Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi
|March 1, 2000
Summary
This case study highlights a malignant islet cell tumor that initially secreted gastrin, later also insulin. Octreotide treatment effectively controlled hormone levels and reduced tumor size.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Islet cell tumors can secrete multiple hormones based on cell type.
- This case involves a 70-year-old woman with peptic ulcer symptoms and liver tumors.
Observation:
- Initial diagnosis: malignant islet cell tumor with gastrin secretion.
- Later observation: tumor also secreted insulin, causing hypoglycemia.
- Elevated gastrin and insulin levels were noted.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed gastrin and later insulin positivity.
- Octreotide treatment reduced plasma gastrin and insulin levels significantly.
- Computed tomography showed shrinkage of metastatic liver tumors.
Implications:
- Demonstrates variable hormone secretion in malignant islet cell tumors.
- Highlights octreotide as an effective treatment for such conditions.
- Suggests potential for dynamic hormonal changes in metastatic islet cell tumors.