From the Guidelines
No, lanreotide is not considered chemotherapy. Lanreotide is a synthetic analog of the hormone somatostatin and belongs to a class of medications called somatostatin analogs. It works by inhibiting the release of various hormones, particularly growth hormone, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormones. Lanreotide is primarily used to treat conditions like acromegaly (excessive growth hormone production) and certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, including gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and carcinoid tumors. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, lanreotide works by binding to specific receptors on tumor cells to inhibit hormone production and potentially slow tumor growth.
Key Points
- Lanreotide is used to treat neuroendocrine tumors, including GEP-NETs and carcinoid tumors 1
- It works by inhibiting hormone production and potentially slowing tumor growth 1
- Lanreotide is typically administered as a deep subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks, with dosages ranging from 60 to 120 mg depending on the condition being treated and patient response 1
- While lanreotide may be used alongside chemotherapy in some treatment regimens, it represents a different therapeutic approach focused on hormonal control rather than cytotoxic cell destruction 1
Evidence
The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2020, supports the use of lanreotide as a somatostatin analog for the treatment of GEP-NETs and carcinoid tumors 1. The study demonstrates the efficacy of lanreotide in controlling tumor growth and improving symptoms in patients with these conditions.
Recommendation
Lanreotide should be considered as a treatment option for patients with GEP-NETs and carcinoid tumors, particularly those with symptomatic disease or progressive tumor growth 1. The dosage and administration schedule should be individualized based on the patient's condition and response to treatment 1.
From the Research
Definition of Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy is typically defined as the use of chemical substances to treat diseases, particularly cancer.
- In the context of cancer treatment, chemotherapy usually refers to the use of cytotoxic drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Lanreotide and Chemotherapy
- Lanreotide is a somatostatin analogue, which is a type of hormone therapy used to treat certain types of cancer, including gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Lanreotide works by binding to somatostatin receptors on tumor cells, which can help to reduce hormone production and slow tumor growth.
- While lanreotide is used to treat cancer, it is not typically considered a form of chemotherapy in the classical sense, as it does not work by directly killing cancer cells with cytotoxic drugs.
Classification of Lanreotide
- Lanreotide is generally classified as a hormone therapy or a targeted therapy, rather than a chemotherapy agent 4, 6.
- This classification is based on its mechanism of action, which involves binding to specific receptors on tumor cells to reduce hormone production and slow tumor growth.
Clinical Use of Lanreotide
- Lanreotide is used to treat a variety of conditions, including acromegaly and GEP-NETs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or other medications, to manage symptoms and slow tumor growth.
- The use of lanreotide in clinical practice is supported by a range of studies, which have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in treating various types of cancer and other conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.