From the Guidelines
Yes, neuroendocrine tumors of the lung can cause weight gain in some patients, particularly those that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) leading to Cushing's syndrome, as noted in the study by 1. This occurs because these tumors can secrete various hormones and peptides that affect metabolism and fluid balance in the body. Specifically, some lung carcinoids (a type of neuroendocrine tumor) may produce ACTH, which leads to Cushing's syndrome, characterized by weight gain particularly in the face, neck, and trunk, along with other symptoms like high blood pressure and muscle weakness. Some key points to consider include:
- The hormonal activity of the tumor determines whether weight gain occurs, as some tumors may cause fluid retention or alter metabolism in ways that promote weight gain, while others may lead to weight loss.
- The study by 1 highlights the importance of suspecting paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome in patients with lung cancer who present with clinical features of Cushing's syndrome, such as weight gain, moon faces, acne, purple striae, proximal muscle weakness, peripheral edema, hypertension, and metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia.
- The European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society expert consensus and recommendations for best practice for typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoids, as reported in 1, emphasize the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment of these tumors, including the potential for hormone-related symptoms such as weight gain.
- The management of hypercortisolism in paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome, as discussed in 1, involves treating the underlying tumor, as well as using medications such as metyrapone, ketoconazole, etomidate, mitotane, and mifepristone to decrease circulating glucocorticoids. If you're experiencing unexplained weight gain and have been diagnosed with a lung neuroendocrine tumor, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine if the tumor is hormonally active and what specific hormone testing might be appropriate, as recommended in 1.
From the Research
Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung and Weight Gain
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that neuroendocrine tumors of the lung cause weight gain 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors with somatostatin analogs and their effects on hormone-related symptoms and tumor growth, but do not mention weight gain as a symptom or side effect 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some studies discuss the clinical symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors, such as diarrhea and flushing, but weight gain is not mentioned as a common symptom 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Somatostatin Analogs and Weight Gain
- There is no evidence in the provided studies that somatostatin analogs, used to treat neuroendocrine tumors, cause weight gain as a side effect 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of somatostatin analogs in managing hormone-related symptoms and controlling tumor growth, but do not report weight gain as a side effect 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.