OBJECTIVES There is a group of neoplasia that secretes vasoactive peptides causing carcinoid syndrome. Surgical treatment is the election, however, if after surgery a residual tumor is maintained, the use of somatostatin analogs: lanreotide Autogel® y octreotide, is the treatment to follow. The objective of this research paper is to evaluate which of the somatostatin analogs is the most effective in the symptomatic control of carcinoid syndrome, associated with the lowest cost. METHODS Cost minimization analysis from an institutional perspective was estimated, considering only direct medical costs for a one year temporary horizon, using a decision tree model. Univariate sensitivity and probability analysis was carried out for this purpose. Costs were estimated using prices of 2008 and are expressed in US dollars (exchange rate of 11.14 pesos/ 1 US dollar). RESULTS According to the model, 41.3% of patients would achieve control of their symptomatology either with Lanreotide Autogel®, as with octreotide, when adjusting the reported efficacy in the literature by the survival rate of one year for this illness. Treatment with Lanreotide Autogel® implies the lowest average cost per patient with carcinoid syndrome: $15,317.18 followed by the treatment with octreotide with a cost of $19,231.42. Sensitivity analyses show that lanreotide would support the treatment with the lowest cost, which would make it the dominant treatment or at least the treatment above the efficiency line. CONCLUSIONS Lanreotide Autogel® is the treatment that minimizes attention cost of carcinoid syndrome, from the institutional perspective within the Mexican context.