Somatostatin Analogues--Octreotide and Lanreotide

Octreotide and lanreotide are medicines that are called somatostatin analogues (SSAs). They are synthetic versions of a natural hormone we all make called somatostatin. It's like the brake pedal of your body in that it slows digestion, hormonal function, and a lot more. Unfortunately, the natural stuff is broken down quickly. Octreotide and lanreotide, on the other hand can last for 4-6 hours, and when given in the depot version, last for a month. Both medicines bind to the somatostatin receptor on NETs and help decrease hormone secretion and growth. Their bindings are very similar, but not exactly the same, so they may have slightly different effects in individuals.

In my opinion, it is best to have options. If you've been on octreotide and it's working, no need to rock the boat. If it has been difficult to mix, administer, and absorb, then lanreotide might be a better option. If you've had a reaction to one of them, the other might work better.

Eric Liu, M.D.