Octreotide improves biochemical, radiologic, and symptomatic indices of gastroenteropancreatic neoplasia in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) : Implications for an integrated model of MEN-1 tumorigenesis

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is an autosomal dominant tumor syndrome associated with parathyroid, gastroenteropancreatic (GEP), and pituitary neoplasia. Gastrinoma and GEP malignancy are common life-threatening endocrine complications of MEN-1. An effective management strategy for these disorders remains to be determined. The authors attempted to determine the role of the somatostatin analogue, octreotide, in ameliorating features of hypergastrinemic GEP neoplasia associated with MEN-1. Five MEN-1 patients with hypergastrinemia and either symptoms of GEP neoplasia or hepatic metastases received a trial of octreotide, 100 microg subcutaneously, three times daily for 3 months. Treatment with octreotide was associated with a rapid symptomatic and biochemical response. In all patients serum gastrin fell to < 25% of the pretreatment value. The serum glycoprotein-alphasubunit (a marker of enterochromaffin-like [ECL] cell hyperplasia, gastric carcinoidosis, and disseminated enteropancreatic malignancy) was elevated at baseline in three patients. In each case the serum glycoprotein-alphasubunit normalized after treatment with octreotide. Hepatic metastases were present in two patients at baseline. The size of the metastases diminished by up to 15% during the period of octreotide treatment. Four patients reported symptoms prior to treatment: lethargy, easy fatigability, and generalized musculoskeletal discomfort. A marked symptomatic improvement occurred in each case. No patient experienced side effects related to octreotide therapy and all elected to remain on treatment after completion of the trial. Octreotide is a safe and effective adjunct to surgical strategies for the management of GEP neoplasia in hypergastrinemic MEN-1 patients.