THE ROLE OF OCTREOTIDE IN PALLIATIVE CARE

Octreotide an analogue of somatostatin with a more favorable pharmacok inetic profile is a new drug that may offer some advantages in the pal liative care setting. It has been used with favorable results in the m anagement of some gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage, diarrhea, short-bowel syndrome, fistula, and intestinal o cclusion in the palliative care setting. These favorable results occur red without important side effects, underlining the potential role of this drug. The cost-benefit ratio of this expensive drug must be consi dered, however.