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Management of Nelson’s Syndrome. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58111580. [DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nelson’s syndrome is a potentially severe condition that may develop in patients with Cushing’s disease treated with bilateral adrenalectomy. Its management can be challenging. Pituitary surgery followed or not by radiotherapy offers the most optimal tumour control, whilst pituitary irradiation alone needs to be considered in cases requiring intervention and are poor surgical candidates. Observation is an option for patients with small lesions, not causing mass effects to vital adjacent structures but close follow-up is required for a timely detection of corticotroph tumour progression and for further treatment if required. To date, no medical therapy has been consistently proven to be effective in Nelson’s syndrome. Pharmacotherapy, however, should be considered when other management approaches have failed. A subset of patients with Nelson’s syndrome may develop further tumour growth after primary treatment, and, in some cases, a truly aggressive tumour behaviour can be demonstrated. In the absence of evidence-based guidance, the management of these cases is individualized and tailored to previously offered treatments. Temozolomide has been used in patients with aggressive Nelson’s with no consistent results. Development of tumour-targeted therapeutic agents are an unmet need for the management of aggressive cases of Nelson’s syndrome.
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Ganz JC. Pituitary adenomas. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 268:191-215. [PMID: 35074080 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas produce a complex collection of disorders. Some are incidental findings. Some distort local anatomical structures which can lead to disorders of vision or hormone production. Some produce excesses of hormones which can be either life threatening or clinically distressing. The management requires the expertise of a variety of experts who plan together. No single treatment is universally successful in controlling these conditions. Medical, biochemical, surgical and radiosurgical management can all have parts to play. Coordinate co-operation between specialists will provide patients with the best available treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C Ganz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Losa M, Detomas M, Bailo M, Barzaghi LR, Albano L, Piloni M, Pagnano A, Pedone E, Mortini P. Gamma knife radiosurgery in patients with Nelson's syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2243-2251. [PMID: 33611756 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a long-term complication of bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's disease. The best therapeutic strategy in NS has not been well defined. Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is very effective to stop the growth of the pituitary adenoma, which is the main goal of the treatment of patients with NS. We report the largest series of patients with NS treated by GKRS at a single center. METHODS The study was an observational, retrospective analysis of 28 consecutive patients with NS treated by GKRS in our department between 1995 and 2019. All patients had a growing ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. The main outcome of the study was to assess by the Kaplan-Meier method the risk of tumor progression after GKRS. RESULTS The median follow-up after GKRS treatment was 98 months (IQR 61-155 months, range 7-250 months). Two patients (7.1%) had a recurrence of disease during follow-up. The 10-year progression-free survival was 91.7% (95% CI 80.5-100%). No patient had deterioration of visual function or oculomotor function after GKRS. New onset of hypogonadism and hypothyroidism occurred in 18.8% and 14.3% of the patients at risk. CONCLUSION Our study confirms that GKRS may stop the tumor growth in the majority of patients with NS, even though very aggressive adenomas may ultimately escape this treatment. Safety of GKRS was good in our experience, but due attention must be paid to planning the distribution of radiation to critical structures, especially in patients previously treated by radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Detomas
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Bailo
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - L R Barzaghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - L Albano
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - M Piloni
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pagnano
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - E Pedone
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - P Mortini
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Reincke M, Albani A, Assie G, Bancos I, Brue T, Buchfelder M, Chabre O, Ceccato F, Daniele A, Detomas M, Di Dalmazi G, Elenkova A, Findling J, Grossman AB, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Heaney AP, Honegger J, Karavitaki N, Lacroix A, Laws ER, Losa M, Murakami M, Newell-Price J, Pecori Giraldi F, Pérez-Rivas LG, Pivonello R, Rainey WE, Sbiera S, Schopohl J, Stratakis CA, Theodoropoulou M, van Rossum EFC, Valassi E, Zacharieva S, Rubinstein G, Ritzel K. Corticotroph tumor progression after bilateral adrenalectomy (Nelson's syndrome): systematic review and expert consensus recommendations. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 184:P1-P16. [PMID: 33444221 PMCID: PMC8060870 DOI: 10.1530/eje-20-1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotroph tumor progression (CTP) leading to Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a severe and difficult-to-treat complication subsequent to bilateral adrenalectomy (BADX) for Cushing's disease. Its characteristics are not well described, and consensus recommendations for diagnosis and treatment are missing. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed focusing on clinical studies and case series (≥5 patients). Definition, cumulative incidence, treatment and long-term outcomes of CTP/NS after BADX were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented and discussed at an interdisciplinary consensus workshop attended by international pituitary experts in Munich on October 28, 2018. RESULTS Data covered definition and cumulative incidence (34 studies, 1275 patients), surgical outcome (12 studies, 187 patients), outcome of radiation therapy (21 studies, 273 patients), and medical therapy (15 studies, 72 patients). CONCLUSIONS We endorse the definition of CTP-BADX/NS as radiological progression or new detection of a pituitary tumor on thin-section MRI. We recommend surveillance by MRI after 3 months and every 12 months for the first 3 years after BADX. Subsequently, we suggest clinical evaluation every 12 months and MRI at increasing intervals every 2-4 years (depending on ACTH and clinical parameters). We recommend pituitary surgery as first-line therapy in patients with CTP-BADX/NS. Surgery should be performed before extrasellar expansion of the tumor to obtain complete and long-term remission. Conventional radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery should be utilized as second-line treatment for remnant tumor tissue showing extrasellar extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reincke
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Adriana Albani
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Guillaume Assie
- Department of Endocrinology, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Diabetes, Metabolism, Nutrition, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thierry Brue
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut MarMaRa and Endocrinology Department, Conception Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Neurochirurgische Klinik, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Olivier Chabre
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Unit of Endocrinology, Pavillon des Ecrins, Grenoble, France
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Andrea Daniele
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Mario Detomas
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Würzburg, Wurzburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Guido Di Dalmazi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care Unit, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna, Italy
| | - Atanaska Elenkova
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - James Findling
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Medicine, Endocrine Service, G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Anthony P Heaney
- Division of Endocrinology, Medical Director, Pituitary & Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Juergen Honegger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andre Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Edward R Laws
- Pituitary/Neuroendocrine Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Masanori Murakami
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - John Newell-Price
- Dept of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Instituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis G Pérez-Rivas
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - William E Rainey
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology and Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Würzburg, Wurzburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Jochen Schopohl
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Genetics & Endocrinology Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Insitute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) National Institute of Health (NIH), NIH Clinical Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Valassi
- IIB-Sant Pau and Department of Endocrinology/Medicine, Hospital Sant Pau, UAB, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabina Zacharieva
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - German Rubinstein
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritzel
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
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He X, Spencer-Segal JL. Rapid response of Nelson's syndrome to pasireotide in radiotherapy-naive patient. Clin Diabetes Endocrinol 2020; 6:22. [PMID: 33292741 PMCID: PMC7648374 DOI: 10.1186/s40842-020-00110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nelson's syndrome is a well-described complication following bilateral adrenalectomy for management of Cushing's disease. There is no consensus on optimal management of Nelson's syndrome, characterized by the triad of pituitary corticotroph adenoma growth, elevated serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, and skin hyperpigmentation. Medical therapy with a variety of drug classes have been studied. One potentially promising drug already approved for Cushing's disease is pasireotide, a somatostatin analog with affinity for multiple somatostatin receptors, including subtype 5, the most highly expressed receptor on corticotroph tumors. CASE PRESENTATION A 24-year-old female was diagnosed with Cushing's disease with initial ACTH levels around 700-800 pg/mL. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery without remission, followed by bilateral adrenalectomy. Over the subsequent 3 years, the patient developed skin hyperpigmentation, recurrent elevations of ACTH, and tumor recurrence requiring two additional transsphenoidal surgeries. After her third transsphenoidal resection, ACTH normalized, no residual tumor was seen on radiology, and the patient's skin hyperpigmentation improved. She then had an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy, during which ACTH levels remained within normal limits. One month after delivery, ACTH levels began rising to a peak at 5,935 pg/mL. Imaging revealed two new bilateral pituitary adenomas, measuring 14 mm on the left, and 7 mm on the right. She was then started on pasireotide. After two months of therapy, ACTH decreased to 609 pg/mL, and repeat pituitary MRI showed interval decrease in size of both pituitary adenomas to 13 mm on the left and 6 mm on the right. CONCLUSION We report the protracted course of a young female with several recurrences of Nelson's syndrome following bilateral adrenalectomy and multiple transsphenoidal surgeries, who ultimately responded to pasireotide. Unique features of her case not described previously are the response to pasireotide in a radiotherapy-naive patient, as well as the rapid radiologic response to therapy. Her history illustrates the unresolved challenges of Nelson's syndrome and the continued need for additional studies to identify optimal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Joanna L Spencer-Segal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Abstract
Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a condition which may develop in patients with Cushing's disease after bilateral adrenalectomy. Although there is no formal consensus on what defines NS, corticotroph tumor growth and/or gradually increasing ACTH levels are important diagnostic elements. Pathogenesis is unclear and well-established predictive factors are lacking; high ACTH during the first year after bilateral adrenalectomy is the most consistently reported predictive parameter. Management is individualized and includes surgery, with or without radiotherapy, radiotherapy alone, and observation; medical treatments have shown inconsistent results. A subset of tumors demonstrates aggressive behavior with challenging management, malignant transformation and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Fountas
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, IBR Tower, Level 2, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, IBR Tower, Level 2, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
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Apaydin T, Ozkaya HM, Durmaz SM, Meral R, Kadioglu P. Efficacy and Safety of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Cushing's Disease: A Single Center Experience. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 129:482-491. [PMID: 32767284 DOI: 10.1055/a-1217-7365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiotherapy (RT) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). METHODS The study included 38 patients [31 patients who received gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and 7 patients who received cyberknife hypofractionated RT (HFRT)] with CD. Hormonal remission was considered if the patient had suppressed cortisol levels after low dose dexamethasone, normal 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), and lack or regression of clinical features. RESULTS Biochemical control after RT was observed in 52.6% of the patients with CD and median time to hormonal remission was 15 months. Tumor size control was obtained in all of the patients. There was no significant relationship between remission rate and laboratory, radiological and pathological variables except for preoperative UFC. Remission rate was higher in patients with lower preoperative UFC. Time to remission increased in parallel to postoperative cortisol and 1mg DST level. Although medical therapy before RT did not affect the rate of- and time to remission, medical therapy after RT prolonged the time to hormonal remission. CONCLUSION In this current single center experience, postoperative cortisol and 1mg DST levels were found as the determinants of time to remission. Although medical therapy before RT did not affect the rate of- and time to remission, medical therapy after RT prolonged the time to biochemical control . This latter finding might suggest a radioprotective effect of cortisol lowering medication use on peri-RT period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Apaydin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hande Mefkure Ozkaya
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sebnem Memis Durmaz
- Department of Radiology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rasim Meral
- Deparment of Radiation Oncology, Istanbul Medical School, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Kadioglu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.,Pituitary Center, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Fountas A, Lim ES, Drake WM, Powlson AS, Gurnell M, Martin NM, Seejore K, Murray RD, MacFarlane J, Ahluwalia R, Swords F, Ashraf M, Pal A, Chong Z, Freel M, Balafshan T, Purewal TS, Speak RG, Newell-Price J, Higham CE, Hussein Z, Baldeweg SE, Dales J, Reddy N, Levy MJ, Karavitaki N. Outcomes of Patients with Nelson's Syndrome after Primary Treatment: A Multicenter Study from 13 UK Pituitary Centers. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5628028. [PMID: 31735971 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Long-term outcomes of patients with Nelson's syndrome (NS) have been poorly explored, especially in the modern era. OBJECTIVE To elucidate tumor control rates, effectiveness of various treatments, and markers of prognostic relevance in patients with NS. PATIENTS, DESIGN, AND SETTING Retrospective cohort study of 68 patients from 13 UK pituitary centers with median imaging follow-up of 13 years (range 1-45) since NS diagnosis. RESULTS Management of Cushing's disease (CD) prior to NS diagnosis included surgery+adrenalectomy (n = 30; eight patients had 2 and one had 3 pituitary operations), surgery+radiotherapy+adrenalectomy (n = 17; two received >1 courses of irradiation, two had ≥2 pituitary surgeries), radiotherapy+adrenalectomy (n = 2), and adrenalectomy (n = 19). Primary management of NS mainly included surgery, radiotherapy, surgery+radiotherapy, and observation; 10-year tumor progression-free survival was 62% (surgery 80%, radiotherapy 52%, surgery+radiotherapy 81%, observation 51%). Sex, age at CD or NS diagnosis, size of adenoma (micro-/macroadenoma) at CD diagnosis, presence of pituitary tumor on imaging prior adrenalectomy, and mode of NS primary management were not predictors of tumor progression. Mode of management of CD before NS diagnosis was a significant factor predicting progression, with the group treated by surgery+radiotherapy+adrenalectomy for their CD showing the highest risk (hazard ratio 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-13.5). During follow-up, 3% of patients had malignant transformation with spinal metastases and 4% died of aggressively enlarging tumor. CONCLUSIONS At 10 years follow-up, 38% of the patients diagnosed with NS showed progression of their corticotroph tumor. Complexity of treatments for the CD prior to NS diagnosis, possibly reflecting corticotroph adenoma aggressiveness, predicts long-term tumor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Fountas
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eugenie S Lim
- Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - William M Drake
- Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew S Powlson
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Gurnell
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Niamh M Martin
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Khyatisha Seejore
- Department of Endocrinology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert D Murray
- Department of Endocrinology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - James MacFarlane
- Department of Endocrinology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Rupa Ahluwalia
- Department of Endocrinology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Francesca Swords
- Department of Endocrinology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Muhammad Ashraf
- Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Aparna Pal
- Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Zhuomin Chong
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marie Freel
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tala Balafshan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tejpal S Purewal
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rowena G Speak
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Claire E Higham
- Department of Endocrinology, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ziad Hussein
- Department of Endocrinology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephanie E Baldeweg
- Department of Endocrinology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jolyon Dales
- Department of Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Narendra Reddy
- Department of Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Miles J Levy
- Department of Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Cordeiro D, Xu Z, Li CE, Iorio-Morin C, Mathieu D, Sisterson ND, Kano H, Attuati L, Picozzi P, Sheehan KA, Lee CC, Liscak R, Jezkova J, Lunsford LD, Sheehan J. Gamma Knife radiosurgery for the treatment of Nelson's syndrome: a multicenter, international study. J Neurosurg 2019; 133:336-341. [PMID: 31299652 DOI: 10.3171/2019.4.jns19273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nelson's syndrome is a rare and challenging neuroendocrine disorder, and it is associated with elevated adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) level, skin hyperpigmentation, and pituitary adenoma growth. Management options including resection and medical therapy are traditional approaches. Ionizing radiation in the form of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is also being utilized to treat Nelson's syndrome. In the current study the authors sought to better define the therapeutic role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in Nelson's syndrome. METHODS Study patients with Nelson's syndrome were treated with single-fraction GKRS (median margin dose of 25 Gy) at 6 different centers as part of an International Radiosurgery Research Foundation (IRRF) investigation. Data including neurological function, endocrine response, and radiological tumor response were collected and sent to the study-coordinating center for review. Fifty-one patients with median endocrine and radiological follow-ups of 91 and 80.5 months from GKRS, respectively, were analyzed for endocrine remission, tumor control, and neurological outcome. Statistical methods were used to identify prognostic factors for these endpoints. RESULTS At last follow-up, radiological tumor control was achieved in 92.15% of patients. Endocrine remission off medical management and reduction in pre-SRS ACTH level were achieved in 29.4% and 62.7% of patients, respectively. Improved remission rates were associated with a shorter time interval between resection and GKRS (p = 0.039). Hypopituitarism was seen in 21.6% and new visual deficits were demonstrated in 15.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS GKRS affords a high rate of pituitary adenoma control and improvement in ACTH level for the majority of Nelson's syndrome patients. Hypopituitarism is the most common adverse effect from GKRS in Nelson's syndrome patients and warrants longitudinal follow-up for detection and endocrine replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Cordeiro
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Chelsea E Li
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Christian Iorio-Morin
- 2Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Mathieu
- 2Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Hideyuki Kano
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Luca Attuati
- 4Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Piero Picozzi
- 4Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Kimball A Sheehan
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Cheng-Chia Lee
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Roman Liscak
- 6Department of Stereotactic and Radiation Neurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Jezkova
- 6Department of Stereotactic and Radiation Neurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L Dade Lunsford
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason Sheehan
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Cohen AC, Goldney DC, Danilowicz K, Manavela M, Rossi MA, Gómez RM, Cross GE, Bruno OD. Long-term outcome after bilateral adrenalectomy in Cushing's disease with focus on Nelson's syndrome. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2019; 63:470-477. [PMID: 31271574 PMCID: PMC10522264 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We analyzed the clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings of adrenalectomized patients with Cushing's disease (CD) in order to compare the characteristics of those who developed Nelson's syndrome (NS) versus those who did not develop this complication (NNS), aiming to identify possible predictive factors for its occurrence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of a group of patients with CD who underwent TBA between 1974 and 2011. RESULTS Out of 179 patients with CD, 13 (7.3%) underwent TBA. NS occurred in 6 of them (46%) after a mean of 24 months from the total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA). Age at diagnosis, duration of Cushing's syndrome (CS) until TBA, and steroid replacement doses were similar in both groups. Initial urinary cortisol levels (24-hour urinary free cortisol [UFC]) were significantly higher in the NS group than in the NNS group (p = 0.009). Four patients in the NS group and three of those in the NNS group received radiotherapy before TBA (p = 0.26). Three patients in the NS group presented residual tumors before TBA, compared with none in the NNS group (p = 0.04). At 1 year after TBA, the median ACTH level was 476 ng/L (240-1500 ng/L) in the NS group and 81 ng/L (48-330 ng/L) in the NNS group (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION In conclusion, a residual tumor before TBA, higher 24-hour UFC at diagnosis, and increasing ACTH levels within 1 year after TBA emerged as predictive factors of development of NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Cohen
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dolores Clifton Goldney
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Danilowicz
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Manavela
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Rossi
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Reynaldo M Gómez
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela E Cross
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oscar D Bruno
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Foundation of Endocrinology (FUNDAENDO), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Perry A, Graffeo CS, Marcellino C, Pollock BE, Wetjen NM, Meyer FB. Pediatric Pituitary Adenoma: Case Series, Review of the Literature, and a Skull Base Treatment Paradigm. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2018; 79:91-114. [PMID: 29404245 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1625984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric pituitary adenoma is a rare skull base neoplasm, accounting for 3% of all intracranial neoplasms in children and 5% of pituitary adenomas. Compared with pituitary tumors in adults, secreting tumors predominate and longer disease trajectories are expected due to the patient age resulting in a natural history and treatment paradigm that is complex and controversial. Objectives The aims of this study were to describe a large, single-institution series of pediatric pituitary adenomas with extensive long-term follow-up and to conduct a systematic review examining outcomes after pituitary adenoma surgery in the pediatric population. Methods The study cohort was compiled by searching institutional pathology and operative reports using diagnosis and site codes for pituitary and sellar pathology, from 1956 to 2016. Systematic review of the English language literature since 1970 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar. Results Thirty-nine surgically managed pediatric pituitary adenomas were identified, including 15 prolactinomas, 14 corticotrophs, 7 somatotrophs, and 4 non-secreting adenomas. All patients underwent transsphenoidal resection (TSR) as the initial surgical treatment. Surgical cure was achieved in 18 (46%); 21 experienced recurrent/persistent disease, with secondary treatments including repeat surgery in 10, radiation in 14, adjuvant pharmacotherapy in 11, and bilateral adrenalectomy in 3. At the last follow-up (median 87 months, range 3-581), nine remained with recurrent/persistent disease (23%). Thirty-seven publications reporting surgical series of pediatric pituitary adenomas were included, containing 1,284 patients. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors were most prevalent (43%), followed by prolactin (PRL)-secreting (37%), growth hormone (GH)-secreting (12%), and nonsecreting (7%). Surgical cure was reported in 65%. Complications included pituitary insufficiency (23%), permanent visual dysfunction (6%), chronic diabetes insipidus (DI) (3%), and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (4%). Mean follow-up was 63 months (range 0-240), with recurrent/persistent disease reported in 18% at the time of last follow-up. Conclusion Pediatric pituitary adenomas are diverse and challenging tumors with complexities far beyond those encountered in the management of routine adult pituitary disease, including nuanced decision-making, a technically demanding operative environment, high propensity for recurrence, and the potentially serious consequences of hypopituitarism with respect to fertility and growth potential in a pediatric population. Optimal treatment requires a high degree of individualization, and patients are most likely to benefit from consolidated, multidisciplinary care in highly experienced centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Perry
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
| | | | | | - Bruce E Pollock
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
| | - Nicholas M Wetjen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
| | - Fredric B Meyer
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
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12
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Caruso JP, Patibandla MR, Xu Z, Vance ML, Sheehan JP. A Long-Term Study of the Treatment of Nelson's Syndrome With Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Neurosurgery 2017; 83:430-436. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Nelson's syndrome may be a devastating complication for patients with Cushing's disease who underwent a bilateral adrenalectomy. Previous studies have demonstrated that stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be used to treat patients with Nelson's syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To report a retrospective study of patients with Nelson's syndrome treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery to evaluate the effect of SRS on endocrine remission and tumor control.
METHODS
Twenty-seven patients with Nelson's syndrome treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery after bilateral adrenalectomy were included in this study. After radiosurgery, patients were followed with serial adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and MRI sequences to assess for endocrine remission and tumor control. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the time to remission and potential prognostic factors.
RESULTS
In 21 patients with elevated ACTH prior to SRS and endocrine follow-up data, 14 (67%) had decreased or stable ACTH levels, and 7 achieved a normal ACTH level at a median of 115 mo (range 7-272) post-SRS. Tumor volume was stable or reduced after SRS in 92.5% of patients (25/27) with radiological follow-up. Time to remission was not significantly associated with the ACTH prior to SRS (P = .252) or with the margin dose (P = .3). However, a shorter duration between the patient's immediate prior transsphenoidal resection and SRS was significantly associated with a shorter time to remission (P = .045).
CONCLUSION
This retrospective analysis suggests that SRS is an effective means of achieving endocrine remission and tumor control in patients with Nelson's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Caruso
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mohana Rao Patibandla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mary Lee Vance
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jason P Sheehan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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13
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Patel J, Eloy JA, Liu JK. Nelson's syndrome: a review of the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies. Neurosurg Focus 2015; 38:E14. [PMID: 25639316 DOI: 10.3171/2014.10.focus14681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nelson's syndrome is a rare clinical manifestation that occurs in 8%-47% of patients as a complication of bilateral adrenalectomy, a procedure that is used to control hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing's disease. First described in 1958 by Dr. Don Nelson, the disease has since become associated with a clinical triad of hyperpigmentation, excessive adrenocorticotropin secretion, and a corticotroph adenoma. Even so, for the past several years the diagnostic criteria and management of Nelson's syndrome have been inadequately studied. The primary treatment for Nelson's syndrome is transsphenoidal surgery. Other stand-alone therapies, which in many cases have been used as adjuvant treatments with surgery, include radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and pharmacotherapy. Prophylactic radiotherapy at the time of bilateral adrenalectomy can prevent Nelson's syndrome (protective effect). The most promising pharmacological agents are temozolomide, octreotide, and pasireotide, but these agents are often administered after transsphenoidal surgery. In murine models, rosiglitazone has shown some efficacy, but these results have not yet been found in human studies. In this article, the authors review the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and efficacy of multimodal treatment strategies for Nelson's syndrome.
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14
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Marek J, Ježková J, Hána V, Kršek M, Liščák R, Vladyka V, Pecen L. Gamma knife radiosurgery for Cushing's disease and Nelson's syndrome. Pituitary 2015; 18:376-84. [PMID: 25008022 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-014-0584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper presents our 18 years of experience in treating ACTH secreting adenomas (Cushing's disease and Nelson's syndrome) using the Leksell gamma knife (LGK) irradiation. METHODS Twenty-six patients with Cushing's disease were followed-up after LGK irradiation for 48-216 months (median 78 months). Seventeen patients had undergone previous surgery, in nine patients LGK irradiation was the primary therapy. Furthermore, 14 patients with Nelson's syndrome were followed-up for 30-204 months (median 144 months). RESULTS LGK treatment resulted in hormonal normalization in 80.7 % of patients with Cushing's disease. Time to normalization was 6-54 months (median 30 months). The volume of the adenoma decreased in 92.3% (in 30.7% disappeared completely). There was no recurrence of the disease. In all 14 patients with Nelson's syndrome ACTH levels decreased (in two patients fully normalized) their ACTH levels. When checked up 5-10 years after irradiation regrowth of the adenoma was only detected in one patient (9.1%), in 27.3% adenoma volume remained unchanged, in 45.4% adenoma volume decreased and in 18.2% adenoma completely disappeared. Hypopituitarism did not develop in any patient where the critical dose to the pituitary and distal infundibulum was respected. CONCLUSION LGK radiation represents an effective and well-tolerated option for the treatment of patients with Cushing's disease after unsuccessful surgery and may be valuable even as a primary treatment in patients who are not suitable for, or refuse, surgery. In the case of Nelson's syndrome it is possible to impede tumorous growth and control the size of the adenoma in almost all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Marek
- Third Department of Medicine, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, U nemocnice 1, 128 02, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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15
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Di Ieva A, Rotondo F, Syro LV, Cusimano MD, Kovacs K. Aggressive pituitary adenomas--diagnosis and emerging treatments. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2014; 10:423-35. [PMID: 24821329 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2014.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The WHO categorizes pituitary tumours as typical adenomas, atypical adenomas and pituitary carcinomas, with typical adenomas constituting the major class. However, the WHO classification does not provide an accurate correlation between histopathological findings and clinical behaviour. Tumours lacking typical histological features are classified as atypical, but not all are clinically atypical or exhibit aggressive behaviour. Pituitary carcinomas, by definition, have craniospinal or systemic metastases, although not all display classical cytological features of malignancy. Aggressive pituitary adenomas, defined from a clinical perspective, have earlier and more frequent recurrences and can be resistant to conventional treatments. Specific biomarkers have not yet been identified that can distinguish between clinically aggressive and nonaggressive pituitary adenomas, although the antigen Ki-67 proliferation index might be of value. This Review highlights the need to develop new biomarkers to facilitate the early detection of clinically aggressive pituitary adenomas and discusses emerging markers that hold promise for their identification. Defining aggressiveness is of crucial importance for improving the management of patients by enhancing prognostic predictions and effectiveness of treatment. New drugs, such as temozolomide, have potential use in the management of these patients; anti-VEGF therapy, mTOR and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are also potentially useful in managing selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Ieva
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Fabio Rotondo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Luis V Syro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe and Clínica Medellín, Calle 54 #46-27, Cons 501, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Michael D Cusimano
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Kalman Kovacs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
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17
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Mehta GU, Sheehan JP, Vance ML. Effect of stereotactic radiosurgery before bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing's disease on the incidence of Nelson's syndrome. J Neurosurg 2013; 119:1493-7. [DOI: 10.3171/2013.7.jns13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a significant and frequent risk for patients with Cushing's disease (CD) who undergo bilateral adrenalectomy. A recent study has shown tumor progression in 47% of patients at risk for NS. The authors sought to define the rate of NS in patients who were treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GK SRS) prior to bilateral adrenalectomy.
Methods
Consecutive patients with CD who were treated with GK SRS after pituitary surgery but before bilateral adrenalectomy were included. Serial MRI sequences were analyzed to evaluate for pituitary tumor growth. Clinical evaluations were performed to screen for NS. Follow-up for adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and hormone studies of other pituitary axes was performed.
Results
Twenty consecutive patients were followed with neuroimaging and clinically for a median of 5.4 years (range 0.6–12 years). One patient (5%) developed pituitary tumor growth consistent with NS 9 months after adrenalectomy. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, progression-free survival was 94.7% at 1, 3, and 7 years. No predisposing factors were identified for the tumor progression. Two patients developed new pituitary dysfunction and no patient developed cranial neuropathy or visual deficit after GK SRS.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that GK SRS not only serves a role as second-line therapy for CD, but that it also provides prophylaxis for NS when used before bilateral adrenalectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam U. Mehta
- 1Departments of Neurosurgery and
- 2Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Mary Lee Vance
- 3Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Progressive and irreversible neuro-endocrine dysfunction following radiation-induced damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary (h-p) axis is the most common complication in cancer survivors with a history of cranial radiotherapy involving the h-p axis and in patients with a history of conventional or stereotactic pituitary radiotherapy for pituitary tumours. This review examines the controversy about the site and pathophysiology of radiation damage while providing an epidemiological perspective on the frequency and pattern of radiation-induced hypopituitarism. RECENT FINDINGS Contrary to the previously held belief that h-p axis irradiation with doses less than 40 Gy result in a predominant hypothalamic damage with time-dependent secondary pituitary atrophy, recent evidence in survivors of nonpituitary brain tumours suggests that cranial radiation causes direct pituitary damage with compensatory increase in hypothalamic release activity. Sparing the hypothalamus from significant irradiation with sterteotactic radiotherapy for pituitary tumours does not appear to reduce the long-term risk of hypopituitarism. SUMMARY Radiation-induced h-p dysfunction may occur in up to 80% of patients followed long term and is often associated with an adverse impact on growth, body image, skeletal health, fertility, sexual function and physical and psychological health. A detailed understanding of pathophysiological and epidemiological aspects of radiation-induced h-p axis dysfunction is important to provide targeted and reliable long-term surveillance to those at risk so that timely diagnosis and hormone-replacement therapy can be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken H Darzy
- Department of Endocrinology, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK.
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20
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Adénomes hypophysaires : mise au point sur la pathologie et les techniques d’irradiation modernes. Cancer Radiother 2012; 16 Suppl:S90-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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21
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Kim W, Clelland C, Yang I, Pouratian N. Comprehensive review of stereotactic radiosurgery for medically and surgically refractory pituitary adenomas. Surg Neurol Int 2012; 3:S79-89. [PMID: 22826820 PMCID: PMC3400491 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.95419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in surgical techniques and medical therapies, a significant proportion of pituitary adenomas remain endocrinologically active, demonstrate persistent radiographic disease, or recur when followed for long periods of time. While surgical intervention remains the first-line therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery is increasingly recognized as a viable treatment option for these often challenging tumors. In this review, we comprehensively review the literature to evaluate both endocrinologic and radiographic outcomes of radiosurgical management of pituitary adenomas. The literature clearly supports the use of radiosurgery, with endocrinologic remission rates and time to remission varying by tumor type [prolactinoma: 20–30%, growth hormone secreting adenomas: ~50%, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting adenomas: 40–65%] and radiographic control rates almost universally greater than 90% with long-term follow-up. We stratify the outcomes by tumor type, review the importance of prognostic factors (particularly, pre-treatment endocrinologic function and tumor size), and discuss the complications of treatment (with special attention to endocrinopathy and visual complications). We conclude that the literature supports the use of radiosurgery for treatment-refractory pituitary adenomas, providing the patient with a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment option for an otherwise resistant tumor. As such, we provide literature-based treatment considerations, including radiosurgical dose, endocrinologic, radiographic, and medical considerations for each adenoma type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Abstract
Nelson's syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that does not infrequently develop following total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA) for the treatment of Cushing's disease. In this review article, we discuss some controversial aspects of Nelson's syndrome including diagnosis, predictive factors, aetiology, pathology and management based on data from the existing literature and the experience of our own tertiary centre. Definitive diagnostic criteria for Nelson's syndrome are lacking. We argue in favour of a new set of criteria. We propose that Nelson's syndrome should be diagnosed in any patient with prior TBA for the treatment of Cushing's disease and with at least one of the following criteria: i) an expanding pituitary mass lesion compared with pre-TBA images; ii) an elevated 0800 h plasma level of ACTH (>500 ng/l) in addition to progressive elevations of ACTH (a rise of >30%) on at least three consecutive occasions. Regarding predictive factors for the development of Nelson's syndrome post TBA, current evidence favours the presence of residual pituitary tumour on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) post transsphenoidal surgery (TSS); an aggressive subtype of corticotrophinoma (based on MRI growth rapidity and histology of TSS samples); lack of prophylactic neoadjuvant pituitary radiotherapy at the time of TBA and a rapid rise of ACTH levels in year 1 post TBA. Finally, more studies are needed to assess the efficacy of therapeutic strategies in Nelson's syndrome, including the alkylating agent, temozolomide, which holds promise as a novel and effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of associated aggressive corticotroph tumours. It is timely to review these controversies and to suggest guidelines for future audit.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Barber
- Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Treatment of pituitary adenomas using radiosurgery and radiotherapy: a single center experience and review of literature. Neurosurg Rev 2010; 34:181-9. [PMID: 20838838 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-010-0285-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Fractionated radiotherapy (FRT) and gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) are used as adjuvant therapies to surgical resection for functional and non-functional pituitary adenomas, although their optimum role in the treatment algorithm, as well as long-term safety and efficacy, still awaits further study. We report a single center experience with 33 patients with non-functional (16 patients), ACTH- (five patients), GH- (four patients), or prolactin-secreting (eight patients) tumors treated with FRT or SRS. The median tumor diameter was 1.9 cm, and the median follow-up was 36 months. For GKSRS, the median dosage was 16 Gy for non-functional adenomas and 23 Gy for hormone-secreting tumors. The median total dose for FRT was 50.4 Gy over 28 fractions (median). Two patients (6%) demonstrated radiographic evidence of tumor progression, three patients (9%) demonstrated radiation-induced visual field deficits on neuro-ophthalmic evaluation, and two patients (6%) suffered from radiation-induced hypopituitarism. Biochemical control, defined as normalized hormone values in the absence of medical therapy, was achieved in five out of eight prolactinoma patients and two out of five patients with Cushing's disease, but none of the four patients with acromegaly. These results are presented with a review of the relevant literature on the differential characteristics of FRT versus SRS in the treatment of functional and non-functional pituitary adenomas and validate postoperative irradiation as a potentially safe and effective means for tumor control.
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Starke RM, Williams BJ, Vance ML, Sheehan JP. Radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of Cushing's disease: an evidence-based review. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2010; 17:356-64. [PMID: 20531182 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32833ab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The indications, efficacy, and safety of radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for Cushing's disease are evaluated.We queried PubMed using the terms, 'Cushing's disease', 'radiotherapy', and 'radiosurgery', then evaluated each study for the number of patients, method of radiation delivery, type of radiation therapy or radiosurgical device used, treatment parameters (e.g. maximal dose, tumor margin dose), length of follow-up, tumor-control rate, complications, rate of hormone normalization, newly onset loss of pituitary function, and method used to assess endocrine remission. RECENT FINDINGS A total of 39 peer-reviewed studies with 731 patients were included. The reported rates of tumor-volume control following radiotherapy and radiosurgery vary considerably from 66-100%. Additionally, the reported rates of endocrine remission vary substantially from 17-100%. The incidence of serious complications following radiosurgery is quite low. Although post-treatment hypopituitarism and disease recurrence were uncommon, they did occur, and this underscores the necessity for long-term follow-up in these patients. SUMMARY Radiosurgery and, in the modern era, less commonly, radiation therapy, offer both well tolerated and reasonably effective treatment for recurrent or residual Cushing's adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Starke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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Jagannathan J, Yen CP, Pouratian N, Laws ER, Sheehan JP. Stereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas: a comprehensive review of indications, techniques and long-term results using the Gamma Knife. J Neurooncol 2009; 92:345-56. [PMID: 19357961 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-009-9832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 02/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT This study reviews the long-term clinical results of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of pituitary adenoma patients. METHODS We reviewed the outcomes of 298 patients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas. These results are compared to other contemporary radiosurgical series. RESULTS Pituitary tumors are well-suited for radiosurgery, since radiation can be focused on a well circumscribed region, while adjacent neural structures in the suprasellar and parasellar regions are spared. The overall rate of volume reduction following stereotactic radiosurgery is 85% for non-secretory adenomas that are followed for more than 1-year. The rates of hormonal normalization in patients with hypersecretory adenomas can vary considerably, and tends to be higher in patients with Cushing's Disease and acromegaly (remission rate of approximately 53% and 54%, respectively) when compared with patients who have prolactinomas (24% remission) and Nelson's syndrome (29%) remission. Advances in dose delivery and modulation of adenoma cells at the time of radiosurgery may further improve results. CONCLUSIONS Although the effectiveness of radiosurgery varies considerably depending on the adenoma histopathology, volume, and radiation dose, most studies indicate that radiosurgery when combined with microsurgery is effective in controlling pituitary adenoma growth and hormone hypersecretion. Long-term follow-up is essential to determine the rate of endocrinopathy, visual dysfunction, hormonal recurrence, and adenoma volume control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Jagannathan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Box 800212, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Pollock BE, Brown PD, Nippoldt TB, Young WF. PITUITARY TUMOR TYPE AFFECTS THE CHANCE OF BIOCHEMICAL REMISSION AFTER RADIOSURGERY OF HORMONE-SECRETING PITUITARY ADENOMAS. Neurosurgery 2008. [DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000315281.83969.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Pollock BE, Brown PD, Nippoldt TB, Young WF. PITUITARY TUMOR TYPE AFFECTS THE CHANCE OF BIOCHEMICAL REMISSION AFTER RADIOSURGERY OF HORMONE-SECRETING PITUITARY ADENOMAS. Neurosurgery 2008; 62:1271-6; discussion 1276-8. [DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000333298.49436.0e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Ghostine S, Ghostine MS, Johnson WD. Radiation therapy in the treatment of pituitary tumors. Neurosurg Focus 2008; 24:E8. [DOI: 10.3171/foc/2008/24/5/e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
✓ The treatment of pituitary tumors has progressed into a multidisciplinary approach that involves neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and endocrinologists. This has allowed improved outcomes in treatment of pituitary tumors due to a combination of surgical, medical, and radiation therapies. In this study, the authors review the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
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Abstract
This article describes the technical aspects and the clinical results of conventional radiotherapy and modern stereotactic radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas. Systematic review of the published literature provides a factual basis for the comparison and the selection of appropriate radiation technique in patients who have secreting and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas not cured with surgery and medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brada
- Academic Unit of Radiotherapy and Oncology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK.
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Hofmann BM, Hlavac M, Martinez R, Buchfelder M, Müller OA, Fahlbusch R. Long-term results after microsurgery for Cushing disease: experience with 426 primary operations over 35 years. J Neurosurg 2008; 108:9-18. [PMID: 18173305 DOI: 10.3171/jns/2008/108/01/0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the long-term results following microsurgery in a single surgeon's continuous series of patients with Cushing disease (CD), to assess the influence of changes in surgical procedures, and to compare the results with those of other treatment modalities. In particular, preoperative diagnosis, tumor size, results of histological examination, and complications were considered. METHODS Between 1971 and 2004, 426 patients suffering from newly diagnosed CD underwent primary surgery. Pre-operative measures included clinical examination, endocrinological workup (testing of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and 2- and 8-mg dexamethasone overnight suppression tests), sellar imaging (polytomography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance [MR] imaging), and in patients with negative results on imaging studies, inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Follow-up examinations consisting of endocrinological workup, and imaging took place 1 week and 3 months after surgery and then at yearly intervals. RESULTS During microsurgery as first treatment, the adenoma finding rate was 86.6%. After selective adenomectomy, the remission rate was 75.9%, and this rate showed no improvement over the years. The best results were achieved in microadenomas confirmed on MR imaging or histopathological investigation. The recurrence rate (15%) and the complication rate (5.9%) declined over the years. If no adenoma was found, exploration of the sella turcica was performed in 45.6%, hypophysectomy in 3.5%, and hemihypophysectomy in 50.9% of these patients, leading to an early remission in 37.9%. In case of persistence or recurrence, further treatment (repeated operation, adrenalectomy, radio-therapy, or medical treatment) was used to control the disease. CONCLUSIONS Microsurgery remains the treatment of first choice in CD, even though no improvement in remission rates was observed over the years, because complication or remission rates for other treatment options are comparable or worse.
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Banasiak MJ, Malek AR. Nelson syndrome: comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Neurosurg Focus 2007; 23:E13. [PMID: 17961028 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2007.23.3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nelson syndrome (NS) is a rare clinical manifestation of an enlarging pituitary adenoma that can occur following bilateral adrenal gland removal performed for the treatment of Cushing disease. It is characterized by excess adreno-corticotropin secretion and hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucus membranes. The authors present a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of NS. Corticotroph adenomas in NS remain challenging tumors that can lead to significant rates of morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the natural history of NS, advances in neurophysiology and neuroimaging, and growing experience with surgical intervention and radiation have expanded the repertoire of treatments. Currently available treatments include surgical, radiation, and medical therapy. Although the primary treatment for each tumor type may vary, it is important to consider all of the available options and select the one that is most appropriate for the individual case, particularly in cases of lesions resistant to intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena J Banasiak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA
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Minniti G, Brada M. Radiotherapy and radiosurgery for Cushing's disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 51:1373-80. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302007000800024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with residual or recurrent Cushing's disease receive external beam radiotherapy (RT) with the aim of achieving long-term tumour control and normalization of elevated hormone levels. Treatment is given either as conventional radiotherapy using conformal techniques or as stereotactic radiotherapy, which is either used as fractionated treatment (SCRT) or as single fraction radiosurgery (SRS). We describe the technical aspects of treatment and report a systematic review of the published literature on the efficacy and toxicity of conventional RT, SCRT and SRS. There are no studies directly comparing the different radiation techniques and the reported results are inevitably of selected patients by investigators with interest in the treatment tested. Nevertheless the review of the published literature suggests better hormone and tumour control rates after fractionated irradiation compared to single fraction radiosurgery. Hypopituitarism represents the most commonly reported late complication of radiotherapy seen after all treatments. Although the incidence of other late effects is low, the risk of radiation injury to normal neural structures is higher with single fraction compared to fractionated treatment. Stereotactic techniques offer more localized irradiation compared with conventional radiotherapy, however longer follow-up is necessary to confirm the potential reduction of long-term radiation toxicity of fractionated SCRT compared to conventional RT. On the basis of the available literature, fractionated conventional and stereotactic radiotherapy offer effective treatment for Cushing's disease not controlled with surgery alone. The lower efficacy and higher toxicity of single fraction treatment suggest that SRS is not the appropriate therapy for the majority of patients with Cushing's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Brada
- the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Garcia C, Bordier L, Garcia-Hejl C, Ceppa F, Mayaudon H, Dupuy O, Bauduceau B. Prise en charge du syndrome de Nelson: données actuelles. Rev Med Interne 2007; 28:766-9. [PMID: 17574308 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2007.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Accepted: 05/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nelson's syndrome is a severe complication of bilateral adrenalectomy performed in the treatment of some Cushing's diseases, and its management remains difficult. Trough the observation of a patient suffering from a severe form of Nelson's syndrome for more than 10 years, the authors review the literature and discuss the main current therapeutic possibilities. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS Many molecules have been used with variable results. In our observation cabergoline at 2 mg per week seems to be efficient after a 3 and a half years follow-up, in accordance with some recent publications. More than bromocriptine, this dopamine agonist provides interesting prospects for this disease's management. Moreover, if the conventional treatments as valproic acid or cyproheptadine are not very efficient, somatostatin analogs seem to be of some therapeutic interest. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS New molecules are currently evaluated, but studies are difficult to conduct because of the low disease prevalence. Tumour receptors analysis undoubtedly constitutes an attractive way to find new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Garcia
- Service d'endocrinologie, hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, 69, avenue de Paris, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France.
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Gilliot O, Khalil T, Irthum B, Zasadny X, Verrelle P, Tauveron I, Pontvert D. Radiotherapy of pituitary adenomas: state of the art. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2007; 68:337-48. [PMID: 17512895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2007.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas represent approximately 12% of intracranial tumors. They are defined as tumors that are functional or nonfunctional and invasive or noninvasive. Therapeutic strategies rely on surgery, medical treatment, and radiotherapy depending on histology. Neither the role of external radiotherapy nor the technique to be used are firmly established. Nonfunctioning adenomas must be operated on to relieve the compression. Prolactin-secreting adenomas are first treated with dopamine agonists, and GH-secreting adenomas are first treated by surgery if excising the complete tumor is possible; otherwise medical treatment is started. The first-line treatment of ACTH-secreting adenomas is surgery; however, in many cases, insufficient control of either secretion or tumoral volume leads to consideration of irradiation. Complications of conventional radiotherapy are well known and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy appears to be as safe as radiosurgery. The volume to irradiate is still difficult to define, and this parameter can influence the technique chosen for treatment. Because the indications of radiotherapy are still debated, irradiation of pituitary adenomas must be decided by the complete team of endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists and radiotherapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Gilliot
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre Jean-Perrin, 58, rue Montalembert, BP 392, 63011 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 01, France.
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Fleseriu M, Loriaux DL, Ludlam WH. Second-line treatment for Cushing's disease when initial pituitary surgery is unsuccessful. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2007; 14:323-8. [PMID: 17940460 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e328248b498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Adenectomy via transsphenoidal surgery is considered the treatment of choice for Cushing's disease. It is successful in about 80% of patients in the hands of an experienced surgeon. When transsphenoidal surgery fails or is contraindicated, a second-line treatment must be chosen. The review focuses on second-line treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS Repeat pituitary surgery results in the cure of Cushing's disease in about 50% of cases. Bilateral adrenalectomy results in resolution of hypercortisolemia in almost all patients, but leaves the patient glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficient. Nelson's syndrome, depending on the definition, occurs in up to 35% of these patients. Irradiation of the residual pituitary tumor typically takes several years before the full effect is realized; it can cause panhypopituitarism. Finally, pharmacologic treatment of persistent hypercortisolemia can be effective, but is often associated with untoward side effects. These side effects are a powerful deterrent to its use. Several new pharmacologic agents are being studied and show some promise. SUMMARY Each of the second-line treatments for Cushing's disease currently available can be effective at treating hypercortisolism, but each has significant limitations. New pharmacologic agents may soon offer some very exciting treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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Mauermann WJ, Sheehan JP, Chernavvsky DR, Laws ER, Steiner L, Vance ML. Gamma Knife surgery for adrenocorticotropic hormone–producing pituitary adenomas after bilateral adrenalectomy. J Neurosurg 2007; 106:988-93. [PMID: 17564169 DOI: 10.3171/jns.2007.106.6.988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
Patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–secreting pituitary adenomas may require a bilateral adrenalectomy to treat their Cushing's disease. Approximately one third of these patients, however, will experience progressive enlargement of the residual pituitary adenoma, develop hyperpigmentation, and have an elevated level of serum ACTH. These patients with Nelson's syndrome can be treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS).
Methods
The prospectively collected University of Virginia Gamma Knife database of patients with pituitary adenomas was reviewed to identify all individuals with Nelson's syndrome who were treated with GKS. Twenty-three patients with a minimum of 6 months of follow up were identified in the database. These patients were assessed for tumor control (that is, lack of tumor growth over time) with neuroimaging studies (median follow-up duration 22 months) and for biochemical normalization of their ACTH levels (median follow-up duration 50 months). Neuroimaging follow-up studies were available for 22 patients, and endocrine follow up was available for 15 patients in whom elevation of ACTH levels was documented prior to GKS.
In the 22 patients in whom neuroimaging follow-up studies were available, 12 had a decrease in tumor size, eight had no tumor growth, and two had an increase in tumor volume. Ten of 15 patients with elevated ACTH levels prior to GKS showed a decrease in their ACTH levels at last follow up; three of these 10 patients achieved normal ACTH levels (< 50 pg/ml) and the other five patients with initially elevated values had an increase in ACTH levels.
Ten patients were thoroughly evaluated for post-GKS pituitary function; four were found to have new pituitary hormone deficiency and six did not have hypopituitarism after GKS. One patient suffered a permanent third cranial nerve palsy and four patients are now deceased.
Conclusions
Gamma Knife surgery may control the residual pituitary adenoma and decrease ACTH levels in patients with Nelson's syndrome. Delayed hypopituitarism or cranial nerve palsies can occur after GKS. Patients with Nelson's syndrome require continued multidisciplinary follow-up care. Given the difficulties associated with management of Nelson's syndrome, even the modest results of GKS may be helpful for a number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Mauermann
- Lars Leksell Gamma Knife Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Prasad D. Clinical results of conformal radiotherapy and radiosurgery for pituitary adenoma. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2006; 17:129-41, vi. [PMID: 16793505 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2006.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy provides a valuable adjunct to surgery as well as a viable management alternative to surgery for pituitary adenomas. The availability of conformal radiotherapy has dramatically reduced complication rates, and the advent of radiosurgery has reduced the latency of response in these patients. Although extended follow-up is needed to elucidate the long-term outcomes of these treatments, they are likely to be a permanent part of the therapeutic armamentarium for these patients for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheerendra Prasad
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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Sheehan JP, Niranjan A, Sheehan JM, Jane JA, Laws ER, Kondziolka D, Flickinger J, Landolt AM, Loeffler JS, Lunsford LD. Stereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas: an intermediate review of its safety, efficacy, and role in the neurosurgical treatment armamentarium. J Neurosurg 2005; 102:678-91. [PMID: 15871511 DOI: 10.3171/jns.2005.102.4.0678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Pituitary adenomas are very common neoplasms, constituting between 10 and 20% of all primary brain tumors. Historically, the treatment armamentarium for pituitary adenomas has included medical management, microsurgery, and fractionated radiotherapy. More recently, radiosurgery has emerged as a viable treatment option. The goal of this research was to define more fully the efficacy, safety, and role of radiosurgery in the treatment of pituitary adenomas. METHODS Medical literature databases were searched for articles pertaining to pituitary adenomas and stereotactic radiosurgery. Each study was examined to determine the number of patients, radiosurgical parameters (for example, maximal dose and tumor margin dose), duration of follow-up review, tumor growth control rate, complications, and rate of hormone normalization in the case of functioning adenomas. A total of 35 peer-reviewed studies involving 1621 patients were examined. Radiosurgery resulted in the control of tumor size in approximately 90% of treated patients. The reported rates of hormone normalization for functioning adenomas varied substantially. This was due in part to widespread differences in endocrinological criteria used for the postradiosurgical assessment. The risks of hypopituitarism, radiation-induced neoplasia, and cerebral vasculopathy associated with radiosurgery appeared lower than those for fractionated radiation therapy. Nevertheless, further observation will be required to understand the true probabilities. The incidence of other serious complications following radiosurgery was quite low. CONCLUSIONS Although microsurgery remains the primary treatment modality in most cases, stereotactic radiosurgery offers both safe and effective treatment for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas. In rare instances, radiosurgery may be the best initial treatment for patients with pituitary adenomas. Further refinements in the radiosurgical technique will likely lead to improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Sheehan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
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Young WF. Adrenal Cortex Hypertension. Hypertension 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7216-0258-5.50165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
The most common cause of Cushing syndrome is Cushing disease, in which hypercortisolism is produced by a functional adrenocorticotropic hormone–producing adenoma of the anterior pituitary gland. The common therapies available include microsurgical resection, conventional fractionated radiotherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). In this article the authors review the indications, results, and complications associated with SRS in the treatment of Cushing disease.
In as many as 90% of patients SRS results in disease remission, which is defined as a normal 24-hour urinary free cortisol level and a normal or subnormal morning serum cortisol level. Although in most patients who are subsequently cured a marked decrease in the serum cortisol level is demonstrated within 3 months after treatment, a biochemical cure may be delayed up to 3 years in some cases. Complications following SRS for pituitary adenomas are uncommon, particularly in patients with microadenomas, which are most commonly seen in Cushing disease. The most common complication is hypopituitarism, which occurs in up to 50% of patients with a mean latency period of 5 years. Radiation-induced optic neuropathy has been reported in less than 2% of cases and induction of a secondary neoplasm in less than 1% of cases.
For patients with Cushing disease, the rate of endocrinological cure following SRS appears to be similar to that attained using microsurgical resection. In contrast to surgery, SRS has the benefit of being noninvasive and associated with a very low incidence of diabetes insipidus, although hypopituitarism may be more common with SRS. With continued follow-up patient reviews and additional experience with SRS, it may become possible to make more definitive statements regarding SRS as the initial treatment for patients with Cushing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Hentschel
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030-4009, USA
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Pollock BE, Carpenter PC. Stereotactic Radiosurgery as an Alternative to Fractionated Radiotherapy for Patients with Recurrent or Residual Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas. Neurosurgery 2003; 53:1086-91; discussion 1091-4. [PMID: 14580275 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000088661.81189.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2003] [Accepted: 07/11/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate tumor control rates and complications after stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.
METHODS
Between 1992 and 2000, 33 patients underwent radiosurgery for treatment of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. Thirty-two patients (97%) had undergone one or more previous tumor resections. Twenty-two patients (67%) had enlarging tumors before radiosurgery. The median tumor margin dose was 16 Gy (range, 12–20 Gy). The median follow-up period after radiosurgery was 43 months (range, 16–106 mo).
RESULTS
Tumor size decreased for 16 patients, remained unchanged for 16 patients, and increased for 1 patient. The actuarial tumor growth control rates at 2 and 5 years after radiosurgery were 97%. No patient demonstrated any decline in visual function. Five of 18 patients (28%) with anterior pituitary function before radiosurgery developed new deficits, at a median of 24 months after radiosurgery. The actuarial risks of developing new anterior pituitary deficits were 18 and 41% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. No patient developed diabetes insipidus.
CONCLUSION
Stereotactic radiosurgery safely provides a high tumor control rate for patients with recurrent or residual nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. However, despite encouraging early results, more long-term information is needed to determine whether radiosurgery is associated with lower risks of new endocrine deficits and radiation-induced neoplasms, compared with fractionated radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce E Pollock
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Abstract
Pituitary adenomas frequently pose challenging clinical problems. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is one treatment option in selected patients. The purpose of this report is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of radiosurgery in cases of pituitary tumors to assess better its role in relation to other treatment. Methods for optimizing outcome are described. The author reviews several recent series to determine rates of growth control, endocrine response, and complications. In general, growth control is excellent, complications are very low, and reduction of excessive hormone secretion is fair. Depending on the clinical situation, SRS may be the treatment of choice in selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Witt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
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McCutcheon IE. Stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas after prior adrenalectomy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2002; 54:640-1. [PMID: 12377312 DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(02)02976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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