A guide to the clinical use of the somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin).

SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin) is an octapeptide which differs in its action from native somatostatin in four ways: 1) it inhibits GH hormone secretion in preference to insulin secretion; 2) it can be administered subcutaneously or even orally; 3) it is long-acting (t1/2 after sc administration 113 min), and 4) there is no rebound hypersecretion of hormones when the effect of the analogue lingers off. In this paper a guide is offered for the use of Sandostatin in the treatment of acromegaly (after unsuccessful operation and/or radiotherapy) and of metastatic endocrine pancreatic tumours and carcinoids. A dose regimen for these two types of patients is suggested and the adverse reactions which can be expected are summarized. In addition, preliminary data are shown and the limitations are discussed of possible future indications of the analogue in the treatment of cancer, diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal diseases.