Peptides in Oncology III: Somatostatin and LH-RH Analogues (Recent Results in Cancer Research)

Interference with protein-mediated intra- and intercellular pathways has become a major goal of preclinical and clinical research. A ,rapidly increasing numBer of peptides are known to be responsible for endo-, para-and autocrine sig nal transduction. These peptides and their receptors have been studied with regard to their cell growth stimulatory ac tion and their impact on differentiation. In parallel, peptide antagonists are being investigated in terms of their potential role in preclinical and clinical application. Thus, biotherapy might improve the clinical outcome of patients with tumors that respond to the respective hormonal manipulation. Among the numerous peptides of interest somatostatin (somatotropin release inhibitory factor) and the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) have been the topic of intensive research during recent years. In this third vol ume of peptides in oncology, experts in the field exten sively review and update the mechanisms of action of so matostatin and LH -RH -analogues in oncology. Somatostatin and its various short-and long-acting ana logues have the unique feature of suppressing and inhibit ing a wide range of cellular processes including cell prolif eration. Receptors for these peptides which belong to the family of neuropeptides or neurotransmitters, are widely distributed, a feature which is not in keeping with the gen eral view of a growth hormone regulatory system. LH -RH analogues play an established role in curative (adjuvant) and palliative treatment of hormone sensitive tumors. The Role of Radioactive Somatostatin arid Its Analogues in the Control of Tumor Growth.- Treatment of Endocrine Gastroenteropancreatic Tumors with Somatostatin Analogues.- The Significance of Somatostatin Analogues in the Antiproliferative Treatment of Carcinomas.- New Molecular Aspects in the Diagnosis and Therapy Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gastroenteropancreatic System.- The Role of LH-RH Analogues in the Adjuvant and Palliative Treatment of Breast Cancer.- The Combination of LH-RH Analogues with Other Treatment Modalities in Prostate Cancer.- Primary and Salvage Therapy with LH-RH Analogues in Ovarian Cancer.