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Martino M, Aboud N, Lucchetti B, Salvio G, Arnaldi G. An evaluation of pharmacological options for Cushing's disease: what are the state-of-the-art options? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:557-576. [PMID: 36927238 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2192349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Untreated Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cortisol normalization is a key goal to treatment. Pituitary surgery remains the first-line approach for Cushing's disease, but sometimes it is impracticable, unsuccessful, or complicated by recurrence. Medical therapy has been historically considered a palliative. However, in the latest years, interest on this topic has grown due to both the availability of new drugs and the reevaluation of the old, commonly used drugs in clinical practice. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss the current options and future directions of medical therapy for CS, aiming at fitting best patients' features. An extensive literature search regarding already approved and investigational principles was conducted (PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov. Available drugs include inhibitors of ACTH secretion, steroidogenesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists; drugs acting at different levels can be also combined in uncontrolled patients. EXPERT OPINION Since there is still no standardized pharmacological approach and the superiority of one drug over another has not been established yet in the absence of comparative studies, each time clinicians' choices should be patient-tailored. Age, gender, tumor features, severity of hypercortisolism, comorbidities/complications, rapidity of action, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, availability, patients' preferences, and costs should be all considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martino
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Nairus Aboud
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Beatrice Lucchetti
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Arnaldi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
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Melau C, Riis ML, Nielsen JE, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Thuesen LL, Hare KJ, Hammerum MS, Mitchell RT, Frederiksen H, Juul A, Jørgensen A. The effects of selected inhibitors on human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis differs under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. BMC Med 2021; 19:204. [PMID: 34493283 PMCID: PMC8425147 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disordered fetal adrenal steroidogenesis can cause marked clinical effects including virilization of female fetuses. In postnatal life, adrenal disorders can be life-threatening due to the risk of adrenal crisis and must be carefully managed. However, testing explicit adrenal steroidogenic inhibitory effects of therapeutic drugs is challenging due to species-specific characteristics, and particularly the impact of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation on drugs targeting steroidogenesis has not previously been examined in human adrenal tissue. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of selected steroidogenic inhibitors on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroid hormone production under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. METHODS This study used an established HFA ex vivo culture model to examine treatment effects in 78 adrenals from 50 human fetuses (gestational weeks 8-12). Inhibitors were selected to affect enzymes critical for different steps in classic adrenal steroidogenic pathways, including CYP17A1 (Abiraterone acetate), CYP11B1/2 (Osilodrostat), and a suggested CYP21A2 inhibitor (Efavirenz). Treatment effects were examined under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions in tissue from the same fetus and determined by quantifying the secretion of adrenal steroids in the culture media using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed on ln-transformed data using one-way ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS Treatment with Abiraterone acetate and Osilodrostat resulted in potent inhibition of CYP17A1 and CYP11B1/2, respectively, while treatment with Efavirenz reduced testosterone secretion under basal conditions. ACTH-stimulation affected the inhibitory effects of all investigated drugs. Thus, treatment effects of Abiraterone acetate were more pronounced under stimulated conditions, while Efavirenz treatment caused a non-specific inhibition on steroidogenesis. ACTH-stimulation prevented the Osilodrostat-mediated CYP11B1 inhibition observed under basal conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the effects of steroidogenic inhibitors differ under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions in the HFA ex vivo culture model. This could suggest that in vivo effects of therapeutic drugs targeting steroidogenesis may vary in conditions where patients have suppressed or high ACTH levels, respectively. This study further demonstrates that ex vivo cultured HFAs can be used to evaluate steroidogenic inhibitors and thereby provide novel information about the local effects of existing and emerging drugs that targets steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mette Schou Hammerum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Capatina C, Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Poiana C, Fleseriu M. Management of patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease after initial pituitary surgery. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2020; 15:321-339. [PMID: 32813595 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2020.1802243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment options for persistent and recurrent Cushing's disease (CD) include an individualized approach for repeat surgery, medical treatment, radiation therapy (RT), and bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA). AREAS COVERED In this expert opinion perspective, the authors review the latest treatment(s) for persistent/recurrent CD. A PubMed search was undertaken (English articles through May 2020) and relevant articles discussed. Repeat pituitary surgery should be considered in most patients with proven hypercortisolism; there is potential for cure with low risk of major complications. Medical therapy is valuable either alone, while awaiting the effects of RT, or in preparation for BLA. Medical therapy includes steroidogenesis inhibitors, agents that act at the pituitary or glucocorticoid receptor level, and novel agents in development. Radiation therapy has been used successfully to treat CD, but hypopituitarism risk and delayed efficacy (improved with radiosurgery) are major drawbacks. Laparoscopic BLA is safe and effective in patients with severe, difficult-to-manage hypercortisolism, but long-term follow-up is required as corticotroph tumor progression can develop. EXPERT OPINION Treatment of persistent/recurrent CD is challenging. Most patients require >1 therapy to achieve long-lasting remission. There is currently no ideal single treatment option that provides high and rapid efficacy, low adverse effects, and preserves normal pituitary-adrenal axis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capatina
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology , Bucharest, Romania
| | - José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Neurological Surgery, and Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon, USA
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González, Universidad Autónoma De Nuevo León , Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Catalina Poiana
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology , Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Neurological Surgery, and Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon, USA
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Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality if not appropriately treated. Recurrence and/or persistence of hypercortisolemia after surgical treatment, especially for Cushing's disease, are high, and long-term medical treatment is used to decrease cortisol levels and risk of metabolic comorbidities. Medical treatment is also often required while waiting for radiation effects to take place. In some cases, severe or life-threatening hypercortisolism must be urgently and medically treated, via intravenous medications or with combination therapy, before patients can undergo surgery. In the last decade, medical treatment has progressed from a few steroidogenesis inhibitors to three novel drug groups: new inhibitors for steroidogenic enzymes with possibly fewer side effects, pituitary-directed drugs that aim to inhibit the pathophysiological pathways of Cushing's disease, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists that block cortisol's action. Understanding the pathophysiology of Cushing's syndrome has also led to the identification of potential targets that may decrease adrenocorticotrophic hormone and/or cortisol excess, and/or decrease tumor cell proliferation, and induce senescence or apoptosis. We provide here a review of current and near-future medical options to treat Cushing's syndrome, and discuss updates on clinical trials and the efficacy and safety of novel or in-development drugs, as well as future potential targets.
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