"In summary, Octreotide slowed the progressive increase in liver volume and total kidney volume, improved health perception among patients with PLD, and had an acceptable side effect profile," said Dr. Hogan.

In reviewing the results of Dr. Hogan's study in an accompanying editorial, Robert Schrier, MD (University of Colorado Denver) noted that they support the findings of earlier animal and human studies and give hope that increases in polycystic liver and kidney volume can be attenuated in patients with ADPKD. He added that additional, larger studies are needed to verify the results and to demonstrate whether Octreotide can provide meaningful health benefits to patients.

The article, entitled "Randomized Clinical Trial of Long-Acting Somatostatin for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease," (doi 10.1681/ASN.2009121291) and accompanying editorial, "Randomized Intervention Studies in Human Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease," (doi 10.1681/ASN.2010030262) will appear online at jasn.asnjournals/ on April 29, 2010.

SOURCE American Society of Nephrology (ASN)