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Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
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Intermittent everolimus administration for malignant insulinoma
Chiara Baratelli1, Maria Pia Brizzi1, Marco Tampellini1
1Dipartimento di Oncologia, Oncologia Medica, Università di Torino, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga , Regione Gonzole 1010043, Orbassano , Italy.
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports
|October 10, 2014
Summary
Everolimus, a targeted therapy, effectively managed hypoglycemia in a patient with malignant insulinoma. This suggests further research into insulin-independent gluconeogenesis pathways is warranted for treating this rare neuroendocrine tumor.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Insulinoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor (NE) secreting insulin.
- Malignant NE pancreatic tumors have evolving treatment options, including targeted therapies like everolimus.
- Everolimus's hyperglycemia side effect may counteract insulinoma-induced hypoglycemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of metastatic malignant insulinoma treated with intermittent everolimus.
- To highlight the potential of everolimus in managing hypoglycemia associated with insulinoma.
- To suggest the need for preclinical research into insulin-independent gluconeogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with metastatic malignant insulinoma.
- Treatment with intermittent everolimus.
- Monitoring of quality of life and glycemic control.
Main Results:
- Intermittent everolimus treatment led to significant improvement in the patient's quality of life.
- Everolimus effectively controlled hypoglycemia despite disease progression and elevated insulin levels.
- Somatostatin analogs demonstrated long-lasting control of functioning NE tumors.
Conclusions:
- Everolimus can provide persistent control of hypoglycemia in insulinoma patients.
- The efficacy of everolimus suggests exploring its role in managing malignant insulinoma.
- Further preclinical investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms of insulin-independent gluconeogenesis in response to everolimus.
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