Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
06:43
Robotic Duodenal Sleeve Resection for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with Rare Exon 8 KIT Mutation Following Neoadjuvant Imatinib
Published on: April 3, 2026
Octreotide for malignant bowel obstruction: twenty years after
Sebastiano Mercadante1, Giampiero Porzio
1Pain Relief & Palliative Care, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy. terapiadeldolore@lamaddalenanet.it
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|January 27, 2012
Summary
Octreotide effectively manages symptoms of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) in advanced cancer patients. This review of 281 patients shows 60-90% therapeutic success, supporting its use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common and distressing complication in advanced cancer.
- Conservative management is crucial for inoperable MBO in terminal patients.
- Octreotide has been utilized for two decades to manage MBO symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of octreotide in managing gastrointestinal symptoms of malignant bowel obstruction.
- To assess the therapeutic success rates of octreotide in MBO patients based on existing literature.
Main Methods:
- A review of fifteen randomized controlled trials and observational reports involving octreotide for MBO.
- Analysis of data from 281 patients treated with octreotide for malignant bowel obstruction.
Main Results:
- Therapeutic success rates for octreotide in MBO symptom management ranged from 60% to 90%.
- Consistent efficacy reported across multiple studies over 20 years.
Conclusions:
- Octreotide is a highly effective antisecretory agent for malignant bowel obstruction.
- It is considered a first-choice treatment and is approved in Italy for MBO management.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...