| [ Summary ] |
Carcinoid tumors have a potential for malignancy, mainly to metastasizing the lymph nodes and liver. The most common symptoms of carcinoid tumors are collectively referred to as the carcinoid syndrome, which is associated with tumor secretion of excessive amounts of major regulatory peptides and amines, such as serotonin and its metabolites. Systemic chemotherapy in patients with unresectable carcinoid tumors has only limited effects on survival and the severity of symptoms. The somatostatin analogue, octreotide has been used for more than a decade in patients with malignant carcinoid syndrome, producing a limited effect on tumor size but with a significant amelioration of clinical symptoms, with few side effects. Hepatic-artery occlusion or embolization in the treatment of liver metastasis is based on the principle that tumors receive most of their blood from the hepatic artery. This treatment has resulted in effective palliation of symptoms in selected patients with substantial side effects. No survival benefit is revealed in patients with carcinoid tumors treated with these treatment modalities. In conclusion, there are now better therapeutic options available for those patients with malignant carcinoid tumors. |