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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—Hippocrates (c. 460–c. 370 B.C.)
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—James Thurber (1894–1961)