Because of its widespread distribution within the nervous system and gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system, and its diverse physiological inhibitory actions on various gastrointestinal functions, including endocrine and exocrine secretion, motility, liver, and splanchnic blood flow and absorption, native somatostatin has been viewed as a possible therapy for many diseases. However, its short duration of action and consequent limited clinical usefulness have been overcome with the availability of Sandostatin® (octreotide, Sandoz Ltd), a long-acting, synthetic octapeptide analog of the naturally occurring hormone. Sandostatin represents a significant advance in the treatment of growth hormone (GH) and thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting pituitary tumors and GEP endocrine tumors (carcinoid tumor, VIPoma, glucagonoma, insulinoma, and gastrinoma). Preclinical in vitro and animal studies have shown the antineoplastic activity of the compound. Moreover, because of a possible direct effect on somatostatin receptor-positive endocrine tumor cells and an indirect effect whereby Sandostatin lowers GH, insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), and numerous gastrointestinal peptides, Sandostatin may prove useful as an adjunctive therapy in cancer patients. In vivo labeling of somatostatin receptor-positive tumors with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs now allows localization of such tumors and their metastases. In addition, targeted irradiation of these tumors by β particle-emitting isotopes attached to such somatostatin analogs may become possible. The use of Sandostatin in acute esophageal variceal bleeding, pancreatic pseudocysts, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic external fistulae, short bowel syndrome, dumping syndrome and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related refractory hypersecretory diarrhea has provided enouraging results. Preliminary reports indicate efficacy of Sandostatin in psoriasis, autonomic neuropathy (postprandial and orthostatic hypotension), and its ability to reduce height velocity in tall adolescents. The ultimate role of Sandostatin as a therapeutic agent in these disorders is being explored in prospective clinical trials. Other potential applications include control of pain, headache, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetic microangiopathy (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy), as well as prevention of postoperative pancreatic complications (fistulae, pancreatitis, abscess). © 1990.
