Chemotherapy with 5-FU and streptozocin may be helpful. Occasionally, partial surgical removal of the tumor will relieve symptoms.
VIPomas
Over 40 percent of these tumors are malignant . VIPomas may occur outside the pancreas, usually associated with nerves.
Standard Treatment Single lesions can be removed or a partial pancreatectomy can be done for multiple lesions in the 50 percent of patients who do not have liver metastases. Debulking tumors that can't be removed may reduce diarrhea. Prednisone may also help relieve diarrhea.
Combination chemotherapy with 5-FU + streptozocin may be given if the tumors cannot be removed.
Palliation Octreotide (Sandostatin) is effective in reducing VIPoma symptoms, but it is not curative
and often works for only a limited time. Fluids and electrolytes have to be replenished.
Somatostatin-Producing Tumors
This is a rare tumor, with fewer than 100 cases reported in the world medical literature. They are almost always malignant.
