Carcinoid Syndrome - Treatment

Treatment

For symptomatic relief of carcinoid syndrome:

  • octreotide (a somatostatin analogue which decreases the secretion of serotonin by the tumor and, secondarily, decreases the breakdown product of serotonin (5-HIAA))
  • peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with lutetium-177, yttrium-90 or indium-111 labelled to octreotate is highly effective
  • methysergide maleate (antiserotonin agent but not used because of serious side effect of retroperitoneal fibrosis)
  • cyproheptadine (an antihistamine drug with antiserotonergic effects)

Alternative treatment for qualifying candidates:

  • Surgical resection of tumor and chemotherapy (5-FU and doxorubicin)
  • Endovascular, Chemoembolization, targeted chemotherapy directly delivered to the liver through special catheters mixed with embolic beads (particles that block blood vessels). For patients with liver metastases.

Read more about this topic:  Carcinoid Syndrome

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