Effectiveness of slow-release lanreotide, a long-acting somatostatin analogue, in the treatment of acromegaly.
We evaluated the effectiveness of slow-release lanreotide, a long-acting somatostatin analogue, in the treatment of acromegaly. Eleven patients with acromegaly were recruited, six of whom had received long-term treatment with octreotide. Lanreotide 30 mg was administered by intramuscular injection every other week for 24 weeks. The frequency of injection was adjusted as clinically needed after 2 weeks. Clinical effects were evaluated, and symptoms were recorded and scored. Finger circumferences and hand volumes were measured. Serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations were determined, and an oral glucose test was done at baseline and after treatment. Symptom scores, circumferences of the fingers, hand volumes, and serum GH and IGF-1 concentrations significantly decreased during treatment. Serum GH concentrations returned to normal in five (46%) of the 11 patients, while serum IGF-1 concentrations returned to normal in three (27%). Glucose intolerance was not significantly improved at the end of treatment. Although the mean serum GH concentration was significantly decreased after treatment, it was still not suppressed by glucose. In conclusion, slow-release lanreotide, given either twice or three times a month, is effective in controlling acromegalic symptoms as well as GH and IGF-1 hypersecretion. The treatment is well tolerated and convenient for patients.
Chang
T C
TC
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Chang
T J
TJ
Chen
M H
MH
Hsiao
Y L
YL
Tsai
K S
KS
D000172:Acromegaly / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; C060347:lanreotide; D013004:Somatostatin