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Chemotherapy for the carcinoid syndrome
Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Carcinoid syndrome patients often succumb to carcinomatosis. Single-agent chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil or streptozotocin showed effectiveness, with no combination therapy outperforming single agents.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Pharmacology
Background:
- Carcinoid syndrome is typically fatal due to carcinomatosis, not drug effects.
- Functioning carcinoid tumors exhibit resistance to radiotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of various chemotherapeutic agents and combinations in treating carcinoid syndrome.
- To identify the most effective single-agent therapies for carcinoid syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Review of 24 cytotoxic drugs and combinations used for carcinoid syndrome.
- Analysis of single-agent therapies with more than five patient trials.
Main Results:
- 5-Fluorouracil and streptozotocin were the most effective single agents.
- Combination chemotherapy did not improve response rates compared to single agents.
- Adriamycin warrants further investigation as a single agent.
Conclusions:
- Single-agent chemotherapy, particularly 5-fluorouracil and streptozotocin, is a viable treatment for carcinoid syndrome.
- Further research into Adriamycin and liposome-encapsulated drugs is recommended.
- Treatment strategies should consider the resistance of carcinoid tumors to radiotherapy.