Extrapancreatic, Extraintestinal Gastrinoma

Abstract

OPTIMAL therapy for patients with the Zollinger–Ellison syndrome due to gastrinoma is currently in a state of evolution and reevaluation. Although treatment must be directed toward correction of gastric acid hypersecretion, selection of therapy must also take into consideration the malignant potential of these gastrin-releasing tumors (gastrinomas).1 2 3 Until recently, total gastrectomy was uniformly accepted as appropriate treatment for these patients.4 However, with the development of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine, a medical therapeutic alternative to surgery became available.5 , 6 Treatment with cimetidine has been shown to be effective in reducing gastric acid hypersecretion, improving symptoms, and inducing ulcer . . .