Failure of somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 to control Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic release of ACTH from a bronchial carcinoid.

A patient with ectopic Cushing's syndrome secondary to a malignant thymic carcinoid tumour was treated with the somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995. The administration of the drug subcutaneously in increasing doses over a 34 day period failed to control the ACTH or glucocorticoid excess.