Sun, J.X., & Yang, N. (2013). Role of octreotide in post chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy diarrhea: Prophylaxis or therapy? Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology. Advance online publication. doi:10.1111/ajco.12055
Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Collaboration, and BIOSIS.
Search keywords were octreotide, somatostatin, and diarrhea.
Studies were included in the review if they were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with with one group receiving octreotide.
Exclusion criteria was not specified.
All patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
Prophylactic use of octreotide did not show a statistically significant reduction in diarrhea. Octreotide did not reduce severity or incidence of diarrhea during pelvic radiotherapy, and some bowel functions appeared to be worse in the octreotide group. Octreotide showed significant benefit for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea.
A limited number of studies were evaluated. No firm conclusions regarding prophylactic use can be made.
Findings support the use of octreotide for management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Prophylactic use and use in patients with diarrhea because of pelvic irradiation are not supported. Nurses can advocate for appropriate use of octreotide in the management of diarrhea.