Advanced breast cancer: response to somatostatin.

It has previously been reported that a somatostatin analogue has a direct antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer cells in vitro. Here we report preliminary data on the effects of the in vivo administration of SMS in patients with advanced breast cancer. The regimen consisted of iv infusion of 750 micrograms SMS t.i.d. for 10 days followed by 5 days at 500 micrograms im b.i.d. A partial response was observed in 3 out of 10 patients treated. Moreover, a marked reduction of oedema, cyanosis and bleeding from ulcerated tumor lesions was noted in most of the treated patients. Administration of SMS was devoid of toxic side effects. It is suggested that SMS may be of potential value in the therapeutic approach to advanced breast cancer.