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Published on: April 17, 2019

Update on the management of neuroendocrine tumors: focus on somatostatin antitumor effects

Nancy M Gardner-Roehnelt1

  • 1Neuroendocrine Tumor Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA. nancy.roehnelt@moffitt.org

Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|February 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are increasingly diagnosed. Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) like octreotide manage carcinoid syndrome symptoms and may offer antitumor benefits in NET patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are complex malignancies recognized since 1907.
  • NET detection and incidence have increased fivefold since 1973, indicating they may be more common than previously thought.
  • NETs primarily occur in the gastrointestinal tract but can arise in any tissue with endocrine precursor cells, causing symptoms like flushing and diarrhea due to hormone peptide secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the evolving understanding and management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
  • To emphasize the expanded role of somatostatin analogs (SSAs) in managing NETs.
  • To inform oncology nurses about SSA benefits for symptom control and tumor management in NET patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical data and clinical outcomes related to neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
  • Analysis of the impact of somatostatin analog (SSA) introduction, specifically octreotide, on NET management.
  • Discussion of the dual role of SSAs in symptom suppression and potential antitumor effects.

Main Results:

  • Significant advancements in understanding and managing NETs have occurred in the past 20 years.
  • The introduction of octreotide in 1987 improved symptom management for carcinoid syndrome, reducing morbidity and mortality.
  • Clinical findings suggest SSAs, including octreotide and lanreotide, offer both symptom suppression and potential antitumor benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Oncology nurses play a crucial role in NET patient management.
  • SSAs have an expanded role in NET treatment, addressing both symptom control and tumor progression.
  • Effective communication regarding SSA benefits, side effects, and adherence is vital for optimal NET patient outcomes.

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