Type 1 and 2 gastric carcinoid tumors: long-term follow-up of the efficacy of treatment with a slow-release somatostatin analogue.

Little is known about the long-term results of treating gastric carcinoid tumors with a slow-release somatostatin analogue. We report three patients with type 1 and 2 gastric carcinoid tumors who were treated in the above mentioned way and followed for 27-50 months. In all cases, alternative endoscopic or surgical management was considered but deemed inappropriate. Treatment with a slow-release somatostatin analogue was begun in light of a favorable recent report. The result was regression or complete disappearance of macroscopic fundal tumors. No side-effects were reported and, most notably, none of the patients developed gallstones. This small study may help define the optimal duration, dose, and administration interval of the treatment. Slow-release somatostatin analogue is a safe and efficacious treatment for type 1 and 2 gastric carcinoid tumors, and can be used when tumors are growing rapidly. Slow-release somatostatin analogue represents an alternative to repeated endoscopic treatment or high-risk surgery.