Slow release lanreotide in combination with interferon-alpha 2b in the treatment of symptomatic advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma

Somatostatin analogs are promising agents in the treatment of medullary thy roid carcinoma. We have evaluated the effects of the slow release somatosta tin analog lanreotide in combination with interferon-alpha 2b in seven pati ents with advanced and symptomatic medullary thyroid carcinoma. The frequen cy and intensity of daily flushing episodes and bowel movements, the intens ity of fatigue, weight, performance status, calcitonin levels, and change i n tumor masses were recorded before and during treatment. No objective comp lete or partial responses were recorded. However, disease stabilization and minor tumor regression were observed in three of seven and two of seven pa tients, respectively. The number and intensity of bowel movements and flush ing episodes decreased in five of six and two of two patients, respectively . Decrease in fatigue and improvement in performance status were observed i n five of seven and six of seven patients, respectively. Weight gain was re corded in three of four patients. Plasma levels of calcitonin decreased sig nificantly in six of seven patients. Clinical benefit, evaluated by a struc tured algorithm, was achieved in six of seven patients and was coupled with a decrease of 50% or more in serum calcitonin levels in three of seven pat ients. In conclusion, the combination of lanreotide with interferon had a m ajor impact on clinical symptoms and was well tolerated.