Using a Variety of Treatments for Carcinoid Tumor
Depending on the location of the tumor and how far it has spread, doctors may use a variety of treatments. Even if surgery can't be used to cure the tumor, it may be used to remove part of the tumor, called debulking.
"I've found the best way to approach carcinoid tumors is to treat them aggressively," says Richard Warner, MD, professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and medical director of the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. "We often use a few types of treatments one right after the other. For example, we may use debulking surgery, then radiation, and then chemotherapy. This helps us stay ahead of tumor growth."
Medications to Slow Carcinoid Tumors
Medications can help slow the growth of tumors and ease the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is a set of symptoms -- including flushing of the skin, wheezing, and diarrhea -- that can occur if the tumor produces excess hormones such as serotonin or histamine.
- Octreotide. The drug most commonly used to treat carcinoid tumors is octreotide (Sandostatin). This drug is similar to a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It can help relieve the flushing and diarrhea caused by carcinoid syndrome, and slow tumor growth.
- Interferons.Interferon drugs can help reduce the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and may help slow the growth of carcinoid tumors. But interferons can have severe side effects, so they may not be helpful for all people.
- Antihistamines. Some antihistamine drugs can help ease the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, but they do not stop tumor growth.
Researchers are also looking at other drugs to help slow or stop the growth of carcinoid tumors. "There are a few drugs currently going through clinical trials or awaiting FDA approval," says James Yao MD, associate professor and deputy chair of the Department of Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "So we are hoping to have more options for drug treatment in the future."