octreotide
Pronunciation: ok-TREE-oh-tide
A synthetic somatostatin analog used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and control hormone hypersecretion.
Full Definition
Octreotide is a synthetic octapeptide that mimics the action of natural somatostatin by binding to somatostatin receptors. It is widely used in neuroendocrinology to manage symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors, particularly carcinoid syndrome and gastrinomas. The drug effectively suppresses hormone secretion from neuroendocrine cells and can provide both symptomatic relief and tumor growth control. Octreotide is available in both short-acting subcutaneous and long-acting intramuscular depot formulations. Dosing and administration schedules vary based on the specific clinical indication and patient response.
Usage
Usage note: Brand name Sandostatin is commonly used interchangeably in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient was started on octreotide LAR 20 mg monthly for carcinoid syndrome management." — Treatment plan
- "Octreotide scintigraphy revealed multiple somatostatin receptor-positive lesions." — Nuclear medicine report