Losa M, Castellino L, Pagnano A, Rossini A, Mortini P, Lanzi R. Growth Hormone Therapy Does Not Increase the Risk of Craniopharyngioma and Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma Recurrence.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020;
105:5766671. [PMID:
32112101 DOI:
10.1210/clinem/dgaa089]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy is often prescribed in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) or craniopharyngioma.
OBJECTIVE
To study whether rhGH therapy in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) increases the risk of pituitary tumor recurrence.
DESIGN
Retrospective, observational study.
SETTING
Tertiary care center.
PATIENTS
We studied 283 consecutive patients with AGHD due to NFPA or craniopharyngioma between 1995 and 2018.
INTERVENTION
rhGH treatment at standard doses was initiated in 123 patients (43.5%). The remaining 160 patients served as controls.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Risk of tumor recurrence in rhGH-treated and control patients.
RESULTS
In univariate analysis, recurrence of the pituitary tumor was less frequent in rhGH-treated patients (19.5%) than in controls (29.7%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.86; P = .01). Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that the risk of tumor recurrence was associated with detection of residual disease at the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (HR 9.17; 95% CI, 4.88-17.22; P < .001) and not having performed radiotherapy (HR 16.97; 95% CI, 7.55-38.16; P < .001), while rhGH treatment was no longer associated with a lower risk of recurrence (HR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.47-1.44; P = .50).
CONCLUSIONS
We found no association between rhGH replacement and the risk of tumor recurrence in patients with AGHD caused by NFPA or craniopharyngioma. These data add to the mounting evidence that rhGH therapy has a neutral effect on the recurrence of pituitary tumors.
PRÉCIS
Replacement therapy with rhGH is prescribed to patients with adult growth hormone deficiency. Our study found no increased risk of pituitary tumor recurrence.
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