Rapidly progressing malignant insulinoma presented with multiple liver metastases: a case report

Riferimento: 
J Gastrointest Cancer. 2010 Dec;41(4):272-4.
Autori: 
Erdogan A1, Kose F, Akkaya H, Bascil Tutuncu N, Ozyilkan O.
Fonte: 
J Gastrointest Cancer. 2010 Dec;41(4):272-4.
Anno: 
2010
Azione: 
Massa pancreatica con metastasi epatiche diffuse da carcinoma neuroendocrino differenziato. Può fornire qualche beneficio la chemioterapia con octreotide-diazossido.
Target: 
Octreotide-diazossido/carcinoma neuroendocrino pancreatico.

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
A 51-year-old female was admitted to emergency unit with sudden loss of consciousness. Her blood glucose level from fingertip was 33 mg/dl, and insulin level was 55 (normal range, 4-17 IU). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed pancreatic mass with diffuse liver metastases. Biopsy of liver metastases showed differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Diazoxide and chemotherapy stabilized her glucose level for more than 4 months. However, the disease showed progression, and death occurred 8 months later.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, this case may suggest that biologic behavior may differ from histological behavior in insulinoma and platin-based systemic chemotherapy may provide some benefit in patients those who had diazoxide- and octreotide-resistant tumors.