The effects of cabergoline in the presurgical and recurrence periods of Cushing's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The dopaminergic agonist cabergoline (CAB) has been used in the pharmacological treatment of Cushing's disease (CD). The effect is attributed to the frequent expression of the dopamine receptor subtype 2 in corticotroph tumors. However, in vivo studies have demonstrated the normalization of 24-h urinary cortisol (24-h UC) in approximately 30-40% of patients over the long term, mainly after surgical failure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of CAB as monotherapy in the early preoperative period and on the recurrence of CD. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. Twenty-one patients with confirmed CD were included. The median age was 32 years (13-70), 86% were female, 10 had microadenomas, and 11 had macroadenomas. They were diagnosed from 1986 to 2016 and used CAB as monotherapy either in the preoperative period (n=7, CABi) or upon recurrence before any other treatment (n=14, CABr). A 'complete response' was considered 24-h UC normalization and a 'partial response' was considered a 24-h UC reduction of >50%. UC was obtained at the last follow-up evaluation. The normalization of late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) after CAB use was evaluated in most patients, as well as the tumor diameter by pituitary MRI, before and after CAB treatment. RESULTS: Complete response was achieved in 29% (6/21) of subjects after 14.9±16.4 months of treatment, with an average dose of 2.2±1.0 mg/week. Partial response occurred in 9.5% (2/21). LNSC normalized in 35% (6/17) of patients, and no variation in tumor diameter before and after CAB use was observed (n=13): 6.8±6.8 vs. 7.2±7.1 mm. There was no normalization of 24-h-UC in the CABi subgroup at the end of the treatment, whereas 43% (6/14) of patients in the CABr subgroup reached complete response. The CABi subgroup was treated for 4.7±1.9 months, and the CABr subgroup was treated for 20.1±18.1 months. Both groups were administered similar doses of CAB (CABi 2.1±0.9 and CABr 2.3±1.1 mg/week). Interestingly, the difference between the subgroups' complete response was evident early on in the three months of treatment: no patients in the CABi subgroup vs. 6/10 (60%) in the CABr subgroup (p=0.035), despite a lower dose in the CABr subgroup (1.1 vs. 1.6; p=0.008). The normalization of LNSC occurred in 20% of the CABi subgroup and in 42% of the CABr subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The normalization of 24-h UC and LNSC occurred in approximately 30% of all patients, mainly in those who used CAB for the recurrence of CD. Despite the small number of subjects in the CABi subgroup, the absence of hormone control in this subgroup discourages the use of this medication as primary therapy or as a preoperative treatment option.

gsp Mutation Is Not a Molecular Biomarker of Long-Term Response to First-Generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: It is still controversial if activating mutations in the stimulatory G-protein α subunit (gsp mutation) are a biomarker of response to first generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRL) treatment in acromegaly. Thus, we aimed to evaluate whether gsp mutation predicts long-term response to fg-SRL treatment and to characterize the phenotype of patients harboring gsp mutations. METHODS: GNAS1 sequencing was performed by Sanger. SST2 and SST5 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time RT-PCR. The cytokeratin granulation pattern was evaluated by IHC. Biochemical control was defined as GH < 1.0 ng/mL and normal age-adjusted IGF-I levels. RESULTS: gsp mutation was found in 54 out of 136 patients evaluated. Biochemical control with fg-SRL treatment was similar in gsp+ and gsp- patients (37% vs. 25%, p = 0.219). Tumors harboring gsp mutation were smaller (p = 0.035) and had a lower chance of invading cavernous sinuses (p = 0.001). SST5 protein (p = 0.047) and mRNA (p = 0.013) expression levels were higher in wild-type tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In this largest series available in the literature, we concluded that gsp is not a molecular biomarker of response to fg-SRL treatment in acromegaly. However, the importance of its negative association with cavernous sinus invasion and SST5 expression needs to be further investigated.

Machine Learning-based Prediction Model for Treatment of Acromegaly With First-generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands.

CONTEXT: Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML), may be used to deeply analyze biomarkers of response to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) in the treatment of acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: To develop a prediction model of therapeutic response of acromegaly to fg-SRL. METHODS: Patients with acromegaly not cured by primary surgical treatment and who had adjuvant therapy with fg-SRL for at least 6 months after surgery were included. Patients were considered controlled if they presented growth hormone (GH) <1.0 ng/mL and normal age-adjusted insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels. Six AI models were evaluated: logistic regression, k-nearest neighbor classifier, support vector machine, gradient-boosted classifier, random forest, and multilayer perceptron. The features included in the analysis were age at diagnosis, sex, GH, and IGF-I levels at diagnosis and at pretreatment, somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and 5 (SST2 and SST5) protein expression and cytokeratin granulation pattern (GP). RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were analyzed. Controlled patients were older (P = .002), had lower GH at diagnosis (P = .01), had lower pretreatment GH and IGF-I (P < .001), and more frequently harbored tumors that were densely granulated (P = .014) or highly expressed SST2 (P < .001). The model that performed best was the support vector machine with the features SST2, SST5, GP, sex, age, and pretreatment GH and IGF-I levels. It had an accuracy of 86.3%, positive predictive value of 83.3% and negative predictive value of 87.5%. CONCLUSION: We developed a ML-based prediction model with high accuracy that has the potential to improve medical management of acromegaly, optimize biochemical control, decrease long-term morbidities and mortality, and reduce health services costs.

Cabergoline in the Management of Residual Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma: A Single-Center, Open-Label, 2-Year Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Complete tumor removal by transsphenoidal surgery is usually difficult for large nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). A validated medical treatment may be useful for their management. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the dopaminergic agonist cabergoline for residual NFPA. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a randomized, parallel, open-label clinical trial that compared cabergoline with nonintervention in patients with residual NFPA after transsphenoidal surgery over 2 years. The primary outcome was clinical efficacy (tumor reduction). The secondary outcome was the relationship between tumor dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) expression and clinical responsiveness. Tumor measurements and clinical evaluations were performed every 6 months. RESULTS: In total, 59 and 57 individuals were randomly assigned to the study and control groups, respectively. At the end of the study, residual tumor shrinkage, stabilization, and enlargement were observed in 28.8%, 66.1%, and 5.1% of patients, respectively, in the medical-therapy group and in 10.5%, 73.7%, and 15.8% of patients, respectively, in the control group (P=0.01). The progression-free survival rate was 23.2 and 20.8 months for the study and control groups, respectively (P=0.01). D2R was not associated with cabergoline responsiveness. No major side effects were related to cabergoline use. CONCLUSIONS: Cabergoline was an effective drug for treating residual NFPA, and its use was associated with a high rate of tumor shrinkage (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03271918).

Controversial issues in the management of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas - An overview by the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary adenomas (approximately 40% of cases), and they represent an important cause of hypogonadism and infertility in both sexes. The magnitude of prolactin (PRL) elevation can be useful in determining the etiology of hyperprolactinemia. Indeed, PRL levels > 250 ng/mL are highly suggestive of the presence of a prolactinoma. In contrast, most patients with stalk dysfunction, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia or systemic diseases present with PRL levels < 100 ng/mL. However, exceptions to these rules are not rare. On the other hand, among patients with macroprolactinomas (MACs), artificially low PRL levels may result from the so-called "hook effect". Patients harboring cystic MACs may also present with a mild PRL elevation. The screening for macroprolactin is mostly indicated for asymptomatic patients and those with apparent idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Dopamine agonists (DAs) are the treatment of choice for prolactinomas, particularly cabergoline, which is more effective and better tolerated than bromocriptine. After 2 years of successful treatment, DA withdrawal should be considered in all cases of microprolactinomas and in selected cases of MACs. In this publication, the goal of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) is to provide a review of the diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas, emphasizing controversial issues regarding these topics. This review is based on data published in the literature and the authors' experience.

Differential gene expression of sirtuins between somatotropinomas and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

Sirtuins 1-7 (SIRT) are a highly conserved family of histone deacetylases involved in the regulation of longevity that have a considerable impact in transcription, DNA repair regulation, telomeric stability, cell senescence and apoptosis. In the present study, SIRT1-7 mRNA levels were evaluated in 37 somatotropinomas and 31 nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) using qPCR and relation to tumor size, invasiveness and Ki-67 proliferative index was made. Overexpression of SIRT1 was observed in 86.5% of somatotropinomas versus 41.9% of NFPAs (P < 0.01). SIRT3 was more underexpressed in NFPAs than somatotropinomas (77.4 and 40.5%, respectively, P < 0.01) as well as SIRT4 and SIRT7. Despite the lack of association between sirtuins and invasiveness or Ki-67 index, SIRT1 and SIRT3 expressions were related to tumor size. Mean of the largest diameter was smaller in adenomas with SIRT1 overexpression than with normal expression (P < 0.01) and SIRT3 underexpression was associated with larger tumors (P < 0.01). In conclusion, a pronounced difference in sirtuins expression was identified between pituitary adenomas, suggesting that these genes are potential markers of pituitary adenomas and could be employed in the characterization of somatotropinomas and NFPAs. The role of sirtuins in pathogenesis of pituitary tumors merits further investigation and possibly will provide new molecular insight about their progression.

Controversial issues in the management of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas - An overview by the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary adenomas (approximately 40% of cases), and they represent an important cause of hypogonadism and infertility in both sexes. The magnitude of prolactin (PRL) elevation can be useful in determining the etiology of hyperprolactinemia. Indeed, PRL levels > 250 ng/mL are highly suggestive of the presence of a prolactinoma. In contrast, most patients with stalk dysfunction, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia or systemic diseases present with PRL levels < 100 ng/mL. However, exceptions to these rules are not rare. On the other hand, among patients with macroprolactinomas (MACs), artificially low PRL levels may result from the so-called "hook effect". Patients harboring cystic MACs may also present with a mild PRL elevation. The screening for macroprolactin is mostly indicated for asymptomatic patients and those with apparent idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Dopamine agonists (DAs) are the treatment of choice for prolactinomas, particularly cabergoline, which is more effective and better tolerated than bromocriptine. After 2 years of successful treatment, DA withdrawal should be considered in all cases of microprolactinomas and in selected cases of MACs. In this publication, the goal of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) is to provide a review of the diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas, emphasizing controversial issues regarding these topics. This review is based on data published in the literature and the authors' experience.

A review on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma by the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) are the most common pituitary tumors after prolactinomas. The absence of clinical symptoms of hormonal hypersecretion can contribute to the late diagnosis of the disease. Thus, the majority of patients seek medical attention for signs and symptoms resulting from mass effect, such as neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and hypopituitarism. Other presentations include pituitary apoplexy or an incidental finding on imaging studies. Mass effect and hypopituitarism impose high morbidity and mortality. However, early diagnosis and effective treatment minimizes morbidity and mortality. In this publication, the goal of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism is to provide a review of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NFPA, emphasizing that the treatment should be performed in reference centers. This review is based on data published in the literature and the authors' experience. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016;60(4):374-90.

A review on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma by the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) are the most common pituitary tumors after prolactinomas. The absence of clinical symptoms of hormonal hypersecretion can contribute to the late diagnosis of the disease. Thus, the majority of patients seek medical attention for signs and symptoms resulting from mass effect, such as neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and hypopituitarism. Other presentations include pituitary apoplexy or an incidental finding on imaging studies. Mass effect and hypopituitarism impose high morbidity and mortality. However, early diagnosis and effective treatment minimizes morbidity and mortality. In this publication, the goal of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism is to provide a review of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NFPA, emphasizing that the treatment should be performed in reference centers. This review is based on data published in the literature and the authors’ experience. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016;60(4):374-90.

[Recommendations of Neuroendocrinology Department from Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism for diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly in Brazil]. / Recomendações do Departamento de Neuroendocrinologia da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia para o diagnóstico e tratamento da acromegalia no Brasil.

Acromegaly is a disease associated with increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Because of its insidious character and its non-recognition, the diagnosis is often made with delay, which, along with the complications related to GH/IGF-I excess, determines high morbidity and mortality. However, an early diagnosis and an effective treatment reduce the morbidity and normalize the mortality rate. In this publication, the goal of Neuroendocrinology Department from Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism is to disclose which clinical set should arouse the suspicious of acromegaly and how to diagnose it. Furthermore, we discuss the most effective and safe approach to perform the treatment of acromegaly, emphasizing that it must be carried out in reference centers. Therefore, based on data published in journals with recognized scientific level and authors' experience, recommendations are presented for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Recomendações do Departamento de Neuroendocrinologia da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia para o diagnóstico e tratamento da acromegalia no Brasil / Recommendations of Neuroendocrinology Department from Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism for diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly in Brazil

A acromegalia é uma doença associada à elevada morbidade e à redução da expectativa de vida. Em virtude do seu caráter insidioso e do seu não reconhecimento, o diagnóstico é frequentemente realizado com atraso, o que, associado às complicações relacionadas ao excesso do GH/IGF-I, determina elevada morbimortalidade. No entanto, um diagnóstico precoce e um tratamento efetivo minimizam a morbidade e normalizam a taxa de mortalidade. Nesta publicação, o objetivo do Departamento de Neuroendocrinologia da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia é divulgar quando suspeitar clinicamente da acromegalia e como diagnosticá-la. Além disso, discute-se a maneira mais eficaz e segura de realizar o tratamento da acromegalia, enfatizando que este deve ser realizado em centros de referência. Assim, com base em dados publicados em periódicos de nível científico reconhecido e na experiência dos autores, são apresentadas as recomendações para o diagnóstico e tratamento da doença.

Acromegaly is a disease associated with increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Because of its insidious character and its non-recognition, the diagnosis is often made with delay, which, along with the complications related to GH/IGF-I excess, determines high morbidity and mortality. However, an early diagnosis and an effective treatment reduce the morbidity and normalize the mortality rate. In this publication, the goal of Neuroendocrinology Department from Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism is to disclose which clinical set should arouse the suspicious of acromegaly and how to diagnose it. Furthermore, we discuss the most effective and safe approach to perform the treatment of acromegaly, emphasizing that it must be carried out in reference centers. Therefore, based on data published in journals with recognized scientific level and authors' experience, recommendations are presented for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Acromegaly: correlation between expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes and response to octreotide-lar treatment.

About one-third of acromegalics are resistant to the clinically available somatostatin analogs (SA). The resistance is related to density reduction or different expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR). This study analyzes SSTR's expression in somatotrophinomas, comparing to SA response, hormonal levels, and tumor volume. We analyzed 39 somatotrophinomas; 49% were treated with SA. The most expressed SSTR was SSTR5, SSTR3, SSTR2, SSTR1, and SSTR4, respectively. SSTR1 and SSTR2 had higher expression in patients that had normalized GH and IGF-I. SSTR3 was more expressed in patients with tumor reduction. There was a positive correlation between the percentage of tumor reduction and SSTR1, SSTR2 and SSTR3 expression. Also, a positive correlation between SSTR2 mRNA expression and the immunohistochemical reactivity of SSTR2 was found. Our study confirmed the association between the SA response to GH and IGF-I and the SSTR2. Additionally, this finding was also demonstrated in relation to SSTR1.

Does partial surgical tumour removal influence the response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients previously resistant to the somatostatin analogue?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the intrapatient response to the same dose of slow-release octreotide (OCT-LAR) before and after noncurative surgery in acromegalic patients who did not attain disease control after primary treatment with OCT-LAR. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. PATIENTS: Eleven acromegalic patients (eight men, aged 42.45 +/- 11.15 years, 10 macroadenomas) received OCT-LAR (20 mg, n = 1; 30 mg, n = 10) every 28 days as the primary treatment (1stOCT-LAR) for 11.3 +/- 4.2 months, without IGF-I normalization. They were subsequently submitted to surgery without cure and were then treated with the same dose of OCT-LAR for 8.0 +/- 6.5 months (2ndOCT-LAR). MEASUREMENTS: GH and IGF-I serum concentrations were obtained under basal conditions as well as during treatment. Pituitary tumour volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella. IGF-I was also expressed as a percentage of the upper limit of the normal age- and sex-matched range (%ULNR IGF-I). RESULTS: After 1stOCT-LAR, there was a decrease in GH levels (P = 0.003) and %ULNR IGF-I (P = 0.009) compared to baseline (B), but no IGF-I normalization. Tumour shrinkage was observed in eight of 10 patients with macroadenomas (median 63.7%, range 24.5-75.5%). After surgery, mean levels of GH and %ULNR IGF-I were lower than those at baseline (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.003, respectively), but not when compared to values during 1stOCT-LAR (P = 1.000 and P = 0.957, respectively). MRI confirmed surgical tumour removal (median 64%, range 4.9-96.6%) in eight of the 10 patients. Comparing the 2ndOCT-LAR results with postsurgical results, there were no significant decrease in %ULNR IGF-I (P = 0.061) and GH levels (P = 0.414). Nine patients (82%) achieved IGF-I normalization. The degree of surgical tumour reduction did not correlate with IGF-I normalization (P = 0.794). When comparing the results between 1stOCT-LAR and 2ndOCT-LAR, there was a decrease, albeit not statistically significant, in serum GH levels (P = 0.059) and a significant decrease in %ULNR IGF-I (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Using strict criteria (same patient, same drug, same dose) our results strongly suggest that the surgical reduction of tumour mass can improve the outcome of OCT-LAR treatment in acromegalic patients resistant to primary therapy with SA.

Treatment of acromegaly: is there still a place for radiotherapy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of radiotherapy on acromegaly treatment. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We followed retrospectively 99 acromegalic patients for at least one year after radiotherapy (RT). RT had been performed after unsuccessful surgery in 91 patients and as primary treatment in eight. Time elapsed between surgery and RT was 1.4 +/- 2.4 years. Mean follow-up after RT was 5.9 +/- 4.7 years (1-16 years). All patients were treated with linear accelerator, 89 by conventional (3240-6000 cGY) and ten by stereotactic RT. MEASUREMENTS: Biochemical remission was defined as GH < 2.5 ng/ml and IGF-I normalization. RESULTS: At latest follow-up, 54% of patients had serum GH level <2.5 ng/ml; 42% had normal IGF-I and 38% of patients achieved normalization of both. Controlled patients had lower baseline GH and IGF-I levels compared to uncontrolled ones. They achieved remission after 3.8 +/- 2.4 years, a significantly lower time length compared to maximum follow-up of uncontrolled (6.0 +/- 4.9 year). Results regarding GH and IGF-I levels were similar in patients treated either primarily or after surgery. No patient showed tumor growth. Visual field defects were observed in four, seizures in one, and mental disorders in two patients, although cognitive function were not properly assessed. At the last follow-up, 47% of patients had acquired at least one hormonal deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: There is still a place for RT in acromegaly treatment, mainly for: after non-curative surgery and poor response or inaccessibility to medical treatment; growth restraining of aggressive macroadenomas; co-morbidities that contraindicate surgery and surgery refusal. However, side effects and latency period to achieve disease control should be kept in mind.

Prolactinomas resistentes a agonistas dopaminérgicos: diagnóstico e manejo / Dopamine-agonists-resistant prolactinomas: diagnosis and management

Prolactinomas são os tumores hipofisários funcionantes mais freqüentes, sendo as drogas agonistas dopaminérgicas (AD) a principal opção para seu tratamento. Resistência à bromocriptina (BRC), primeiro AD a ser utilizado, definida como ausência de normalização da prolactina (PRL) ou de redução tumoral durante o tratamento, é relatada em 5 a 18 por cento dos pacientes tratados. Novos AD, como a cabergolina (CBG), são alternativa eficaz já que podem normalizar a PRL e reduzir tumores em até 86 por cento e 92 por cento dos casos, respectivamente. Mesmo assim, uma porcentagem dos pacientes pode ser chamada de resistente aos AD. Os mecanismos para a resistência ainda não são completamente elucidados e, embora pouco freqüentes, os prolactinomas resistentes aos AD representam um desafio para o tratamento. As alternativas como cirurgia e radioterapia podem não alcançar a normalização da PRL e, portanto, não resolver os sintomas ligados à hiperprolactinemia. Tratamento do hipogonadismo com reposição de esteróides sexuais, assim como estimulação ovulatória quando o desejo for a gravidez, podem ser alternativas para casos com crescimento tumoral controlado. Novas drogas como anti-estrógenos, novos AD, análogos específicos de subtipos do receptor da somatostatina, drogas quiméricas com ação no receptor da somatostatina e da dopamina e antagonistas da PRL estão sendo estudados e podem representar alternativas futuras ao tratamento deste grupo de pacientes.

Treatment of acromegaly with octreotide-LAR: extensive experience in a Brazilian institution.

OBJECTIVE: Somatostatin analogues have become the mainstay of the medical treatment of acromegaly. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of octreotide-LAR (OCT-LAR) treatment in acromegalic patients. DESIGN: Prospective open trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty acromegalic patients (46 women; 18-80 years) were treated with OCT-LAR. Mean +/- SD duration of follow-up was 16.6 +/- 6.6 months (6-24 months). Twenty-eight patients received OCT-LAR as primary treatment. The target was to achieve normal IGF-I levels. Clinical activity was evaluated by symptom score and fasting samples for GH and IGF-I serum concentrations, obtained under basal conditions as well as during treatment. Pituitary tumour volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of the sella. A tumour volume reduction of at least 25% was considered significant. RESULTS: Clinical improvement was attained in most patients. Fifty-nine (74%) of them attained mean GH < 2.5 ng/ml and 33 (41%) achieved normal IGF-I by the 24th month of treatment. GH and IGF-I control increased throughout treatment. Regarding the 46 patients treated for at least 12 months there was a significant decrease of GH and IGF-I levels by the third month compared to basal levels, persisting with no subsequently variation. In the patient group that achieved normal serum IGF-1 during treatment (controlled group: n = 43) 20 patients maintained normal levels up to the latest follow-up, whereas 23 of them once again showed altered serum IGF-1-values of some measurements during follow-up, despite dose maintenance or elevation. Baseline percentage of the upper limit of IGF-I normal range, GH levels by the third month and length of treatment were predictive factors of IGF-I normalization. Tumour shrinkage occurred in 76% of primary patients. Among 21 diabetic patients, four worsened and five improved glycaemic control, based on glycated haemoglobin. One previously intolerant patient progressed to overt diabetes. Nine patients developed gall bladder sludge, other nine patients acquired microlithiasis and one patient developed gallstone pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: OCT-LAR is an effective agent in alleviating symptoms, suppressing GH, normalizing IGF-I and inducing tumour shrinkage in many acromegalic patients. Overall, OCT-LAR is well tolerated and should be recommended for nonsurgically cured acromegalics, and also be considered as primary therapy for selected cases, mainly for those with a low probability of surgical cure.

[Dopamine-agonist resistant prolactinomas: diagnosis and management]. / Prolactinomas resistentes a agonistas dopaminérgicos: diagnóstico e manejo.

Prolactinomas are the more prevalent functioning pituitary tumors, and dopamine agonist drugs (DA) are the main therapeutic option for patients harboring such tumors. Bromocriptine (BRC) resistance, defined as failure to normalize prolactin (PRL) and/or to shrink the tumor is reported in 5 to 18% of the patients treated with this drug, the first DA widely used. Cabergoline (CBG) can bring PRL to normalization and reduce tumor size in up to 86% and 92% of the patients, respectively. Even with this newer DA, a subset of patients does not respond to therapy and are truly resistant. The mechanisms for resistance are not yet fully clarified, so the treatment for the resistant prolactinoma is still a challenge. Transsphenoidal surgery associated or not to radiotherapy is an important tool, but PRL may not normalize, mainly in macroprolactinomas. Treatment with sex steroids or ovulation induction can solve the hypogonadism or infertility, when the tumor growth is under control. New drugs as anti-estrogens, new DA, specific analogs for somatostatin receptor subtypes, chimeric molecules associating dopamine and somatostatin effect, and PRL antagonists are under investigation and can be future alternatives for DA resistance.

Tumores hipofisários: opções terapêuticas atuais e perspectivas futuras de tratamento / Pituitary tumors: current therapeutic options and future perspectives

A indicaçäo de tratamento dos tumores hipofisários depende das suas características secretórias e volume. Nos prolactinomas, a terapêutica clínica com uso de agonistas dopaminérgicos continua sendo a primeira opçäo, enquanto nos outros tumores o tratamento cirúrgico ainda é o mais indicado. No entanto, para a acromegalia, a introduçäo dos análogos da somatostatina com açäo prolongada tem aumentado a indicaçäo dessas drogas, inclusive como tratamento primário. O antagonista do GH, pegvisomant, e o desenvolvimento de novos análogos específicos para subtipos do receptor da somatostatina säo grandes avanços reais e potenciais. No âmbito da cirurgia e radioterapia, novas técnicas também têm sido incorporadas, sempre na busca de melhores resultados associados à menor risco de complicaçöes. Este artigo visa resumir os tratamentos atuais e as perspectivas futuras, como a terapia gênica, para os adenomas hipofisários