Evaluation of SMS 201-995 in Patients with Hypoglycaemia from Liver Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): B.I. Joffe, M.C. Kew, V.R. Panz, W.J. Kalk, R. Shires, J. Wing, H.C. Seftel
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand Medical School
Hypothesis
Can the synthetic somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 effectively manage hypoglycaemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma?
Conclusion
The study found that SMS 201-995 is ineffective in managing severe hypoglycaemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma glucose levels did not rise above baseline in any patient after SMS 201-995 administration.
- Insulin levels were appropriately depressed in the first two subjects.
- Somatomedin C levels were low in all patients before and during the infusion.
- Both GH and glucagon were consistently suppressed despite ongoing hypoglycaemia.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new medicine on four patients with low blood sugar due to liver cancer, but it didn't help them get better.
Methodology
The study involved administering SMS 201-995 to four patients and measuring their blood glucose and hormone levels before and after treatment.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not measure all potential insulin-like growth factors.
Participant Demographics
Four male South African Black patients aged 24-50 with biopsy-proven hepatocellular carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.1
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