At a glance
| Product | Somatuline Depot |
|---|---|
| Class | Somatostatin analog |
| Route | Deep subcutaneous depot |
| Uses | Acromegaly; selected NETs; carcinoid syndrome |
| Monitoring | Glucose, gallbladder and clinical response |
Overview
Somatuline Depot provides sustained lanreotide exposure through a deep subcutaneous formulation. In acromegaly, the aim is control of excessive growth-hormone activity when surgery or radiotherapy is inadequate or unsuitable. In unresectable, well- or moderately differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, its role includes improving progression-free survival. It also reduces reliance on short-acting rescue treatment for carcinoid syndrome. Control of flushing or diarrhea, normalization of hormone levels and slowing tumor progression are different outcomes, and the appropriate endpoint depends on the disease being treated.
How it works
Lanreotide mimics somatostatin, an inhibitory hormone with receptors on endocrine and neuroendocrine cells. Receptor activation suppresses growth hormone and several gastrointestinal or pancreatic secretions. In responsive tumors, receptor signaling can also reduce proliferative activity. Suppressing insulin, glucagon and digestive secretions explains why treatment can change blood glucose and cause fat malabsorption alongside its intended endocrine effects.
Which tumors are covered
The tumor indication concerns adults with unresectable, well- or moderately differentiated, locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. It does not cover all cancers or every tumor with a neuroendocrine label.
Supporting sources [1]
Tumor-control evidence
CLARINET studied lanreotide in advanced enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and demonstrated longer progression-free survival than placebo. The principal finding was delayed progression in the enrolled population; this should not be described as proof that every treated tumor shrinks or is cured.
Supporting sources [2]
Adverse effects and precautions
Gallstones and related complications, abdominal symptoms, injection-site reactions and glucose disturbances are recognized. Bradycardia and thyroid-function changes can occur. New greasy stools, bloating or unintended weight loss may suggest pancreatic exocrine insufficiency rather than deterioration of the original disease.
Supporting sources [1]
How response is assessed
Acromegaly follow-up considers GH and IGF-1, while tumor care also uses imaging and clinical assessment. Diabetes and heart-rate-lowering medicines can complicate management. The label recommends attention to glucose, gallbladder and relevant thyroid abnormalities.
Supporting sources [1]
How it differs from a tracer
Lanreotide delivers a pharmacologic somatostatin signal. Radiolabeled dotatate compounds instead attach an imaging or therapeutic isotope to a receptor-targeting peptide. Sharing a receptor family does not make these products interchangeable.
Supporting sources [1]
Reading this profile
Jurisdiction: United States — FDA-approved prescription medicine; indication and formulation restrictions apply.. Molecular class: Long-acting somatostatin analog octapeptide.
This profile was written with AI-assisted research and checked against the linked sources. It has not been represented as a clinician’s review. Evidence summaries describe the cited studies and products; they do not establish that a separately purchased preparation is equivalent.
Sources & references
Follow the original material. Product labels define specific formulations and uses; trial registration describes a study and does not by itself establish benefit.
- DailyMed: Somatuline Depot prescribing information ↗Regulatory source · Checked 2026-10-27
- Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. ↗Original research · Checked 2026-10-27