Neuropharmacological Therapy of the Neuroendocrine Carcinoid Syndrome: Report of Two Cases

We discuss two cases of patients affected by the carcinoid syndrome who showed adrenal over neural sympathetic predominance and a TH-2 immunological profile. Both received neuropharmacological therapy addressed to reverting this autonomic nervous system imbalance. Clinical, autonomic nervous system and immunological improvements were registered as of the first 4-week posttreatment period. No relapses have been recorded up to the present (4 and 3 years later, respectively). The neuropharmacological therapy addressed to enhancing central nervous system-noradrenergic activity, which is able to revert adrenal over neural sympathetic predominance, seems to be a valuable tool in treating patients affected by carcinoid Lechin-vol5no1 3/7/05 7:13 PM Page 109