Does medical treatment shrink the tumor?
Only in a minority of patients. Approximately 30% of patients have a reasonable decrease in tumor size (greater than 30% shrinkage). If there is a large tumor, the likelihood that medical treatment (octreotide) will substantially shrink the tumor is low. For this reason, surgery is recommended as the first treatment for most patients.
Octreotide, Sandostatin LAR and Somatuline: Approximately one-third of patients have a reduction in tumor size. The amount of tumor shrinkage is usually modest, approximately 20% to 30% shrinkage. In patients with a large tumor, surgery is recommended as the first treatment to remove as much as possible with medical treatment afterward if there is continued excessive growth hormone production. Pegvisomant (Somavert): Does not cause tumor shrinkage. This medication does not act directly on the tumor – it acts to block the action of growth hormone on the liver and reduces IGF-1 production and does not cause reduction in tumor size.
Related Questions
- Please tell me about treatments for a Growth Hormone Deficiency. • What is the role of medical treatment for a growth hormone producing tumor (Acromegaly)? • What kind of treatment is available for Turners Syndrome?
- What is the role of medical treatment for a growth hormone producing tumor (Acromegaly)?
- Does medical treatment shrink the tumor?
