Somatostatin analogs in the management of gastrointestinal tumors.

Experience with SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin), a somatostatin analog, in the treatment of endocrine active gastrointestinal tumors is reviewed. Best immediate results were obtained in vipomas and insulinomas but a scape phenomenon was frequently observed. A positive and persistent effect was recorded in a case of nesidioblastosis. It was striking that good clinical control could be obtained in some instances despite insufficient suppression of hormone secretion by the tumor. This finding suggests peripheral actions of somatostatin and SMS independently of its primary effect on hormone release.