Octreotide LAR for the treatment of acromegaly

Abstract

Background: Somatostatin analogs previously considered as adjuvant therapy in acromegaly are increasingly used as a first-line therapy in selected cases.

Objective: To review the octreotide LAR pharmacological and clinical data, and discuss the impact of this agent on current treatment regimens.

Methods: We reviewed PubMed publications since the first use of octreotide LAR in acromegaly, and historical articles related to the discovery and development of this molecule. We chose, for efficacy and safety data, reviews, clinical and randomized controlled trials that included >or=10 patients.

Results/conclusion: Octreotide LAR controls acromegaly in approximately 50-60% of patients by inhibiting GH and IGF-I secretion, and by reducing tumor size. This drug is well tolerated in most patients.