MULTIPLE ACTIONS OF SOMATOSTATIN IN NEOPLASTIC DISEASE

The role played by the neuropeptide somatostatin, also known as somato tropin release inhibitory factor (SRIF), in human cancer is not well u nderstood. Recent investigations involving somatostatin receptors in n ormal and neoplastic human tissues suggest that the action is complex and involves both direct and indirect mechanisms. In this article, Jea n-Claude Reubi and Jean Laissue describe the variety of biological mec hanisms involved in neoplasia that are associated with somatostatin, a nd illustrate the therapeutic potential and present limitations of som atostatin analogues.