Profile of lanreotide autogel and its potential in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Profile of lanreotide autogel and its potential in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors Anja Rinke, Daniela Müller Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany Abstract: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNETs) comprise a heterogenous group of neoplasm, and their incidence is increasing in the population. Approximately one-third of these tumors are associated with characteristic hormonal syndromes like flushing and diarrhea in carcinoid syndrome. Most GEPNETs express receptors for somatostatin. The somatostatin analogs octreotide and lanreotide constituted a major therapeutic advance in palliating hypersecretion syndromes. Lanreotide autogel is a viscous aqueous solution of lanreotide that is usually administered deep subcutaneously every 4 weeks, but extended dosing intervals have also been proposed. In recent years, increasing evidence has supported the use of somatostatin analogs (SSA) as antitumor agents. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III CLARINET trial, lanreotide autogel 120 mg every 4 weeks was associated with a significant prolongation of progression-free survival in patients with nonfunctioning GEPNETs, with a Ki-67 of <10%. This antiproliferative effect and the favorable toxicity profile make lanreotide autogel attractive for long-term treatment in patients with well-differentiated GEPNETs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of lanreotide autogel as a combination partner and the efficacy of high-dose lanreotide. Keywords: neuroendocrine tumor, somatostatin analogs, lanreotide, symptomatic treatment, antiproliferative treatment