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Octreotide and interferon alfa: A new combination for the treatment of malignant carcinoid tumours

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Abstract

24 patients with malignant carcinoid tumours received octreotide and interferon alfa (IFN-α). All the patients initially received octreotide 50–100 μg, twice daily. When progressive symptoms or increasing biochemical markers were observed, the daily dose was raised to a median 300 μg. If the initial dose proved ineffective or if no improvement was seen after escalation, IFN-α was added (median 9 MU subcutaneously per week). After the addition of IFN-α, 17 of the 22 patients (77%) with elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid showed a significant (> 50%) reduction. Only 1 patient progressed and 4 had continuously stable biochemical disease. No significant reduction in tumour size was noted; in 5 patients, the tumour continued to grow despite decreasing hormone levels. 18 patients had carcinoid syndrome when IFN-α was added, in 10 (56%) symptoms ameliorated. Thus, the addition of IFN-α is beneficial for patients with malignant carcinoid tumours that progress and/or who do not respond to octreotide.

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