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Effects of octreotide therapy in progressive head and neck paragangliomas: case series
Leonie T van Hulsteijn1, Nicolette van Duinen, Berit M Verbist
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Background:
Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, may be beneficial in the treatment of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs).
Methods:
We conducted a nonblinded, prospective intervention study. During 1 year, patients received a monthly intramuscular injection of 30 mg octreotide. Pretreatment and posttreatment tumor volumes were assessed by MRI, urinary catecholamine secretion was measured, and HNPGL-related signs and symptoms were recorded.
Results:
In 1 of 4 included patients with HNPGL, a stabilization of tumor growth was observed after octreotide therapy. In 1 patient, octreotide therapy was discontinued before the end of the study because of potential side effects. No improvements in HNPGL-related signs and symptoms were observed.
Conclusion:
In 1 of 4 patients, HNPGL tumor growth velocity was reduced after octreotide therapy. Research assessing the effects of somatostatin analogues targeting different somatostatin receptor subtypes or combined with other therapies may offer new possibilities for the treatment of HNPGLs.
Insights
Octreotide therapy showed limited efficacy in head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs), stabilizing tumor growth in one patient. Further research into somatostatin analogs may offer new treatment avenues for HNPGLs.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors.
- Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, is investigated for its potential therapeutic role in HNPGLs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of octreotide in treating patients with HNPGLs.
- To assess the impact of octreotide on tumor volume, catecholamine secretion, and clinical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, nonblinded intervention study involving monthly intramuscular injections of 30 mg octreotide for one year.
- Tumor volumes assessed by MRI, urinary catecholamine levels measured, and HNPGL-related symptoms recorded pre- and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Tumor growth stabilization was observed in one out of four patients with HNPGL after octreotide therapy.
- No significant improvement in HNPGL-related signs and symptoms was noted.
- One patient discontinued octreotide due to potential side effects.
Conclusions:
- Octreotide therapy demonstrated a reduction in tumor growth velocity in one of four HNPGL patients.
- Further research on somatostatin analogs targeting specific receptor subtypes or combination therapies is warranted for HNPGL treatment.
