Octreotide and interferon alfa: a new combination for the treatment of malignant carcinoid tumours

Tiensuu Janson, EvaUppsala universitet,Institutionen för medicinska vetenskaper,Onkologisk endokrinologi (författare)

Octreotide and interferon alfa : a new combination for the treatment of malignant carcinoid tumours

24 patients with malignant carcinoid tumours received octreotide and interferon alfa (IFN-alpha). All the patients initially received octreotide 50-100 micrograms, twice daily. When progressive symptoms or increasing biochemical markers were observed, the daily dose was raised to a median 300 micrograms. If the initial dose proved ineffective or if no improvement was seen after escalation, IFN-alpha was added (median 9 MU subcutaneously per week). After the addition of IFN-alpha, 17 of the 22 patients (77%) with elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid showed a significant (> 50%) reduction. Only 1 patient progressed and 4 had continuously stable biochemical disease. No significant reduction in tumour size was noted; in 5 patients, the tumour continued to grow despite decreasing hormone levels. 18 patients had carcinoid syndrome when IFN-alpha was added in 10 (56%) symptoms ameliorated. Thus, the addition of IFN-alpha is beneficial for patients with malignant carcinoid tumours that progress and/or who do not respond to octreotide.

Ahlström, HåkanUppsala universitet,Enheten för radiologi (författare)
Andersson, T (författare)
Öberg, KjellUppsala universitet,Institutionen för medicinska vetenskaper,Onkologisk endokrinologi (författare)
Uppsala universitetInstitutionen för medicinska vetenskaper (creator_code:org_t)

Av författaren/redakt...: Tiensuu Janson, ...; Ahlström, Håkan; Andersson, T; Öberg, Kjell

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