Octreotide in malignant intestinal obstruction.
Octreotide has proved an effective agent in the palliation of refractory malignant intestinal obstruction. This may be achieved through a pro-absorptive effect on the small bowel mucosa, an effect on improving gastrointestinal motility, by a reduction in gastrointestinal hormone levels and by a direct anti-neoplastic effect on the obstructing tumour. The simple route of administration of octreotide and the paucity of side effects reported in two recent studies should make the physician consider its use in this particularly distressing complication of advanced cancer.
Pandha
H S
HS
Department of Clinical Oncology, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Waxman
J
J
D000818:Animals; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D051379:Mice; D015282:Octreotide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D015282:Octreotide