Neuroendocrine Tumors and Lanreotide Depot: Clinical Considerations and Nurse and Patient Preferences

Background: Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are a mainstay therapy for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome associated with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). They are effective for a range of gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEP-NETs). Lanreotide depot (Somatuline®) is an SSA that is approved for the treatment of GEP-NETs to improve progression-free survival (PFS).

Objectives: The article reviews the efficacy, safety, and administration of lanreotide depot and relates those attributes to considerations and preferences of oncology nurses and their patients.

Methods: A review of the literature on the use of lanreotide for the treatment of NETs and carcinoid syndrome was conducted. In addition, the literature on drug delivery and routes of administration was surveyed to provide context for comparative studies related to clinical and patient preferences.

Findings: Lanreotide depot prolongs PFS and is well tolerated by patients who expressed satisfaction in the ability to control symptoms related to carcinoid syndrome. Nurses cited several benefits to using lanreotide depot in the clinical setting, including more time saved to address other patient care issues. Attributes of lanreotide depot—including its efficacy, safety and tolerability, dosing and administration, and cost—may contribute to healthcare decisions regarding the treatment and management of NETs.