Chemotherapy for malignant Zollinger-Ellison tumors: successful treatment with streptozocin and fluorouracil

Abstract

Streptozocin is of value in the treatment of malignant insulinomas, but has not previously been shown to be effective against Zollinger-Ellison tumors, which secrete gastrin. This patient's malignant gastrinoma responded to treatment with streptozocin and fluorouracil. Tumor regression was verified by the disappearance of the epigastric mass, improvement of liver function, and reduction of serum gastrin levels to one third of the pretreatment level. The patient has been in remission for more than two years and has had no further treatment since the first year.