Carcinoid Tumors: Pharmacological Therapy

Abstract

Patients with carcinoid tumors which are not cured by surgery frequently suffer a prolonged, uncomfortable terminal course.Local recurrences or metastases are usually relatively slow-growing [18] and do not commonly produce rapid deterioration from biliary, renal or spinal fluid block. The patients usually present long-term management problems, testing the physician’s resources to control symptoms due to the pressure produced by the tumors and by the hormones which they release.

Action Mechanism of Antihistamines and the New Antihistamines

“…Probably the advent of newer low-sedation (second generation) H1 antihistamines obviate the necessity for use of any of the sedative first generation given the troublesome side effects, there are few indicators for this antihistamine in dermatology. It has been used to bring about symptomatic relief in the carcinoid syndrome [25].…”

Chemotherapeutic management of the hormone-secreting endocrine malignancies

“…T h e serotonin-related symptoms of watery diarrhea, abdominal colic, and malabsorption have received the greatest attention and therapeutic investigation by clinical pharmacologists. 36 When mild, these gastrointestinal manifestations may be successfully managed with simple measures, such as opiates and diphenoxylate hydrochloride with atropine (Lomotil, Searle), for long periods of time. With more severe symptoms, the use of peripheral antagonists of serotonin, methysergide, and cyproheptadine has been effective in controlling diarrhea, and in some cases, malab~orption.10~5~…”