Challenging VIPoma Case Treated with Sunitinib: A Life-Saving Therapeutic Experience
Received Date : 13 Aug 2024
Accepted Date : 30 Sep 2024
Available Online : 10 Oct 2024
Melikşah YÜKSELa, Erkan KAYIKÇIOĞLUb, Sevim Süreyya ŞENGÜLc
aSüleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Isparta, Türkiye
bİstinye University Faculty of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, İstanbul, Türkiye
cSüleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Isparta, Türkiye
Doi: 10.37047/jos.2024-105122 - Article's Language: EN
J Oncol Sci.
ABSTRACT
VIPoma syndrome, a rare neuroendocrine tumor characterized by watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria, poses a significant
clinical challenge due to its life-threatening symptoms and limited treatment options. We present the case of a 44-year-old female with
VIPoma, initially unresponsive to standard therapies such as somatostatin analogs and chemotherapy. Despite a challenging treatment course, including
loperamide, glucocorticoids, metoclopramide, carboplatin-etoposide chemotherapy the patient’s symptoms persisted. The turning point
came with the initiation of sunitinib therapy, leading to a rapid and complete resolution of refractory diarrhea, renal insufficiency, hypotension,
and electrolyte imbalances. This case underscores the importance of considering sunitinib as a life-saving treatment in VIPoma patients with resistant
symptoms. As VIPoma is a rare entity, collaborative multi-center studies are crucial for enhancing our understanding of its natural course,
treatment strategies, and prognosis.
Keywords: VIPoma; neuroendocrine tumors; pancreas; sunitinib