LONG-ACTING SANDOSTATINE (SANDOSTATINE LA R) IN THE TREATMENT OF ACROMEGALY

A long-acting depot formulation of octreotide (Sandostatin LAR, Sandoz LTD) has been recently developped. Preliminary studies indicated that , in acromegalic patients previously controlled by Sandostatin 300-600 mu g/day in 2-3 sc injections, the intramuscular administration of 20 -30 mg of Sandostatin LAR achieved, during one month a similar control of GH hypersecretion. In the present study, the variations of plasma levels of octreotide, GH and IGF1 were followed during 2 months in acr omegalic patients receiving a unique injection of 20 mg (n=4) or 30 mg (n=4) of Sandostatin LAR. Following Sandostatin LAR 20 mg i.m, the ba seline values of GH (8.1 +/- 2.5 mu g/l) and IGF1 (684 +/- 92 mu g/l) were normalized after 2 weeks and remained into the normal range durin g the 28 following days. Similar results were obtained, after a 30 mg i.m administration of Sandostatin LAR. In this later case, the maximal inhibition of GH and IGF1 (1.3 +/- 1.0 mu g/l and 392 +/- 266 mu g/l respectively) lasted 2 months. These data showed that a monthly inject ion of Sandostatin LAR (20-30 mg) allowed a correct control of GH hype rsecretion in this series of acromegalic patients.