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TITLE:

TREATMENT RESULTS WITH LONG ACTING OCTREOTIDE IN INOPERABLE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND LOCAL EXPERIENCE

AUTHORS:

Dr. Muhammad Sadiq, Dr. Sobia Nawab, Dr. Zia Shahid

ABSTRACT:

Aim: To determine the efficacy of long-acting octreotide (LAR) in the treatment of inoperable to hepatocellular carcinoma; and also assess improvement in quality of life. Methods: This study was conducted in the Gastroenterology Unit of Nishtar hospital Multan for six-months duration from December 2019 to May 2020. Patients were recruited after obtaining informed consent. There were 22 patients who decided to take the drug, while 20 patients refused because of socio-economic problems. They served as controls. Patients who agreed to the treatment were administered octreotide 100 mcg subcutaneously three times a day for two weeks. Thereafter, 20 mg of octreotide was administered intramuscularly monthly. Patients were followed for 6 months. Tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein levels and improvement in quality of life (QOL) were monitored during treatment. Results: 19 patients completed the treatment out of 22 patients, they were all men. The average age at the time of the presentation was 55 years. Tumor size regression was observed in 10 of 22 patients (45.5%). Mean alpha-fetoprotein levels decreased in 11 of 22 (50%) patients. An improvement in the quality of life was observed in 10 out of 22 (45.5%) patients after treatment with long-acting octreotide. In the treatment arm, 14 of 22 (64%) patients were alive at the end of six months compared with 10 of 20 (50%) in the control group. Conclusion: LAR causes regression of tumor size, lowers AFP levels, and improves quality of life in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. Key Words: Long Acting Octreotide, Inoperable Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Treatment Outcomes.

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