Endocrine Abstracts

Long-acting somatostatin analogs are now increasingly being prescribed as adjuvant and primary therapy for the treatment of acromegaly. Many studies have shown them to be both effective and safe, by suppressing GH levels and normalizing serum IGF-1 levels in most cases.The aim of the study was to analyze the case report of a female patient with active acromegaly and evaluate the efficacy of long-acting synthetic analog of somatostatin (Sandostatin LAR) for biochemical control and tumor shrinkage.

A 68-year-old female patient with symptoms of acromegaly in the course of macroadenoma of the pituitary gland was qualified for the treatment with octreotide (Sandostatin LAR) according to the diagnostic-therapeutic scheme. A notable effect of pharmacological treatment with Sandostatin LAR was observed after administration of three injections – serum GH concentration decreased as much as 94% and IGF-1 concentration was significantly lower then prior to therapy. Taking into consideration these results neurosurgical treatment was ruled out and continuation of pharmacological therapy was decided. Before and after treatment with 3, 6, 9 and 12 injections the clinical examination with the patient’s subjective assessment was carried out, biochemical and hormonal tests were also performed. After 6 and 12 injections, a control ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity was performed. After 12 injections magnetic resonance imaging was performed in order to evaluate the pituitary gland.

Results: In the presented case report, the clinical symptoms of acromegaly were markedly reduced or completely regressed after therapy with depot somatostatin analog. During a 48- week observation period the patient did not report any side effects. The most remarkable effect was full regression of the observed pathological tumor mass. In the glandular part of the pituitary gland.

Conclusion: The long-term treatment with depot somatostatin analogs can be a safe and effective method for patients with acromegaly and may be effective in controlling the course of the disease.