There are many types of cells throughout the body. Some of these cells are called neuroendocrine cells. These cells are unique because they can affect the nervous system and the endocrine system.1
The nervous system helps to send signals out across nerve pathways that control things like movement. For example, when you need to lift your arm, there is a signal traveling from your brain along nerve pathways to your arm, triggering movement.1
The endocrine system helps to regulate hormones in your body. Hormones also send messages throughout your body telling your body to perform certain functions. For example, when food needs to move through your digestive system, a hormone called serotonin is released into the body and signals the digestive tract to become active.1
These 2 systems work together to keep your body functioning regularly. If the cells of the neuroendocrine system (neuroendocrine cells) start to grow out of control or develop into cancer, they can lead to serious medical problems. Neuroendocrine tumors are one of these complications.1
Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor. 67% of carcinoid tumors occur in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.2 These tumors can be either benign or malignant. Approximately 2500 new patients are diagnosed with malignant carcinoid tumors in the United States every year, and their incidence is on the rise.3,4 Carcinoid tumors can occur in different parts of the body including the rectum, lungs, pancreas, colon, and liver, but are more commonly found in the GI tract. This includes the stomach, and the small and large intestines (see figure below).5
Carcinoid tumors can go undiagnosed for years. It may take anywhere from 5 to 7 years before an accurate diagnosis is determined.4 These types of tumors are very hard to find, and sometimes a doctor will actually discover a carcinoid tumor by accident during a routine appendectomy or GI endoscopy.5
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is a prescription medicine indicated for patients in whom initial treatment with immediate release Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective and tolerated for:
- Long-term maintenance therapy in acromegalic patients who have had inadequate response to surgery and/or radiotherapy or for whom surgery and/or radiotherapy is not an option (the goal of treatment in acromegaly is to reduce GH and IGF-1 levels to normal).
- Long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors.
- Long-term treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors
In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas, the effect of Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot on tumor size, rate of growth and development of metastases has not been determined.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor.
Before taking Sandostatin LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications, including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, and bromocriptine.
Common side effects: Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include:
- Acromegaly: diarrhea, gallstones, abdominal pain, and flatulence
- Carcinoid tumors: back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness
Other information: Patients with carcinoids tumors and VIPomas should adhere closely to their scheduled return visits for reinjection in order to minimize exacerbation of symptoms. Patients with acromegaly should adhere to their return visit schedule to help assure steady control of GH and IGF-1 levels.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
