Octreotide is a medication used to manage symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors, a type of neuroendocrine tumor. It functions as a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone, addressing issues caused by tumors that produce excess hormones.
Understanding Carcinoid Tumors
Carcinoid tumors originate from neuroendocrine cells found throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and pancreas. These tumors can produce and release various hormones and substances into the bloodstream. While many are slow-growing, some lead to distinct health issues.
When these tumors secrete excessive amounts of hormones, they can cause carcinoid syndrome. Symptoms include facial flushing, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and wheezing or shortness of breath. Carcinoid syndrome can also affect the heart, leading to carcinoid heart disease where hormones thicken heart valve linings and may result in heart failure.
How Octreotide Works
Octreotide is a synthetic analog of somatostatin, a natural hormone that helps regulate various bodily functions. It mimics somatostatin’s actions but has a longer-lasting effect. Octreotide works by binding to somatostatin receptors on carcinoid tumor cells. This binding inhibits the release of hormones responsible for carcinoid syndrome symptoms.
Beyond symptom control, octreotide can also inhibit tumor growth. It influences pathways involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
Octreotide is available in different forms. A short-acting version is given as a subcutaneous injection, two to three times daily. A long-acting release (LAR) formulation is administered as an intramuscular injection once every four weeks. The long-acting form is used for long-term management after initial symptom control with short-acting injections.
Living with Octreotide Treatment
Patients undergoing octreotide treatment can experience various side effects, primarily related to its impact on gastrointestinal processes. Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. Some individuals may also develop gallstones due to octreotide affecting gallbladder function, which can lead to complications like inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Managing these side effects involves a combination of strategies. For gastrointestinal issues, dietary adjustments and anti-diarrhea or anti-nausea medications may be recommended. To minimize injection site irritation, patients are advised to rotate injection sites and allow the medication to reach room temperature before administration.
Regular monitoring is an important part of octreotide treatment. This includes blood tests to check hormone levels, assess liver and kidney function, and monitor blood sugar, as octreotide can influence glucose metabolism. Imaging scans are also performed periodically to track tumor size and progression. Patients receive injections at home or at a clinic, with frequency depending on the formulation used.