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Sans C, Dupin C, Huchet A, Branchard O, Nunes ML, Vendrely V, Loiseau H, Planchon C. [Prospective longitudinal study on the evolution of autobiographical memory in patients irradiated for benign skull base tumour]. Cancer Radiother 2024:S1278-3218(24)00059-3. [PMID: 38918132 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cranial irradiation can lead to long-term neurological complications, in particular memory disorders. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the impact of irradiation of benign skull base tumours located near the hippocampi on autobiographical memory. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 2016 to 2019, patients with cavernous sinus meningioma or pituitary adenoma treated with normofractionated irradiation were included. Patients underwent full neuropsychological assessment at baseline, 1year and 2years post-treatment. Neuropsychological tests were converted to Z-Score for comparability. RESULTS Twelve of the 19 patients included had a complete neuropsychological evaluation at 2years and were analysed. On the "TEMPau" test, no significant difference in autobiographical memory was found at 2years, regardless of the period of autobiographical memory. The mean hippocampal dose had no impact on the variation in autobiographical memory. There was no significant cognitive impairment in the other domains assessed, such as attention, anterograde memory, working memory and executive functions. Autobiographical memory was independent of these other cognitive domains, which justifies its specific study. CONCLUSION Radiotherapy to the skull base for a benign pathology does not lead to significant cognitive impairment. Longer follow-up would be needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sans
- Service de radiothérapie, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - C Dupin
- Service de radiothérapie, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France; Inserm, U1312-BRIC, eq BioGO, université de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - A Huchet
- Service de radiothérapie, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - O Branchard
- Service de neurochirurgie, hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France
| | - M-L Nunes
- Service d'endocrinologie, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - V Vendrely
- Service de radiothérapie, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France; Inserm, U1312-BRIC, eq BioGO, université de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - H Loiseau
- Service de neurochirurgie, hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France
| | - C Planchon
- Service de neurochirurgie, hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France
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Abstract
Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is emerging as an important clinical endpoint which complements diagnostic workup and contributes to place patients at the centre of the decision-making process through the recognition of their needs, concerns, goals and expectations. Chronic excessive cortisol exposure in Cushing's syndrome (CS) causes severe physical and psychological morbidity which invariably affects HRQoL during the active phase of the disease and even after successful treatment. This sustained deterioration of patient's wellbeing is partly related to the persistence of several features associated with prior cortisol excess, including affective disorders, cognitive dysfunctions and negative illness perception. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence on HRQoL in CS, including the main determinants of its impairment and the results of some educational programs specifically addressed to improve patient's coping abilities. The preliminary results of an unpublished survey on patient's unmet needs will also be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Crespo
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susan M Webb
- IIB-Sant Pau and Department of Endocrinology/Medicine, Hospital Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Valassi
- IIB-Sant Pau and Department of Endocrinology/Medicine, Hospital Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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Yahya N, Manan HA. Diffusion tensor imaging indices to predict cognitive changes following adult radiotherapy. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 30:e13329. [PMID: 32909654 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect changes to white matter tracts following assaults including high dose radiation. This study aimed to systematically evaluate DTI indices to predict cognitive changes following adult radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched PubMed and Scopus electronic databases to identify eligible studies according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were extracted for information on demographics, DTI changes and associations to cognitive outcomes. RESULTS Six studies were selected for inclusion with 110 patients (median study size: 20). 5/6 studies found significant cognitive decline and analysed relationships to DTI changes. Decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) was consistently associated with cognitive decline. Associations clustered at specific regions of cingulum and corpus callosum. Only one study conducted multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION Fractional anisotropy is a clinically meaningful biomarker for radiotherapy-related cognitive decline. Studies accruing larger patient cohorts are needed to guide therapeutic changes that can abate the decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noorazrul Yahya
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanani A Manan
- Functional Image Processing Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Butterbrod E, Gehring K, Voormolen EH, Depauw PRAM, Nieuwlaat WA, Rutten GJM, Sitskoorn MM. Cognitive functioning in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma before and after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. J Neurosurg 2020; 133:709-716. [PMID: 31443073 DOI: 10.3171/2019.5.jns19595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) can suffer from cognitive dysfunction. However, the literature on longitudinal cognitive follow-up of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) is limited. This study was performed to investigate perioperative cognitive status and course in patients with NFPAs. METHODS Patients underwent computerized neuropsychological assessment 1 day before (n = 45) and 3 months after (n = 36) EETS. Performance in 7 domains was measured with a computerized test battery (CNS Vital Signs) and standardized using data from a healthy control group. The authors conducted analyses of cognitive performance at both time points and changes pre- to post-ETSS on a group and an individual level. Linear multiple regression analyses were employed to investigate predictors of cognitive performance. RESULTS On average, patients scored significantly lower in 6 of 7 cognitive domains before and after surgery than controls. Impairment proportions were significantly higher among patients (56% before surgery, 63% after surgery) than among controls. Patients showed no change over time in group-level (mean) performance, but 28% of individual patients exhibited cognitive improvement and 28% exhibited cognitive decline after surgery. Hormonal deficiency showed a positive correlation with verbal memory before surgery. Postoperative performances in all cognitive domains were predicted by preoperative performances. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment was present before and after EETS in over half of NFPA patients. Individual patients showed diverse postoperative cognitive courses. Monitoring of cognitive functioning in clinical trajectories and further identification of disease-related and psychological predictors of cognition are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Butterbrod
- 1Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University; and
| | - Karin Gehring
- 1Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University; and
- 2Departments of Neurosurgery and
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Haldbo-Classen L, Amidi A, Lukacova S, Wu LM, Oettingen GV, Lassen-Ramshad Y, Zachariae R, Kallehauge JF, Høyer M. Cognitive impairment following radiation to hippocampus and other brain structures in adults with primary brain tumours. Radiother Oncol 2020; 148:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Castinetti F, Brue T, Ragnarsson O. Radiotherapy as a tool for the treatment of Cushing's disease. Eur J Endocrinol 2019; 180:D9-D18. [PMID: 30970325 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of Cushing's disease (CD) is one of the most challenging tasks in endocrinology. The first-line treatment, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, is associated with a high failure rate and a high prevalence of recurrence. Re-operation is associated with an even higher rate of a failure and recurrence. There are three main second-line treatments for CD - pituitary radiation therapy (RT), bilateral adrenalectomy and chronic cortisol-lowering medical treatment. All these treatments have their limitations. While bilateral adrenalectomy provides permanent cure of the hypercortisolism in all patients, the unavoidable chronic adrenal insufficiency and the risk of development of Nelson syndrome are of concern. Chronic cortisol-lowering medical treatment is not efficient in all patients and side effects are often a limiting factor. RT is efficient for approximately two-thirds of all patients with CD. However, the high prevalence of pituitary insufficiency is of concern as well as potential optic nerve damage, development of cerebrovascular disease and secondary brain tumours. Thus, when it comes to decide appropriate treatment for patients with CD, who have either failed to achieve remission with pituitary surgery, or patients with recurrence, the pros and cons of all second-line treatment options must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Castinetti
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille Medical Genetics, Marseille, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'hypophyse, Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Brue
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille Medical Genetics, Marseille, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'hypophyse, Marseille, France
| | - Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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Haldbo-Classen L, Amidi A, Wu LM, Lukacova S, Oettingen GV, Gottrup H, Zachariae R, Høyer M. Long-term cognitive dysfunction after radiation therapy for primary brain tumors. Acta Oncol 2019; 58:745-752. [PMID: 30757955 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1557786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: The extent of radiation therapy (RT)-induced changes in cognitive function is unknown. RT with protons instead of photons spares the healthy brain tissue more and is believed to reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction. There is modest knowledge on which parts of the brain we need to spare, to prevent cognitive dysfunction. To uncover which cognitive domains is most affected, we compared cognitive functioning in brain tumor patients treated with neurosurgery and RT with brain tumor patients treated with neurosurgery alone. Methods: A cross-sectional study assessing cognitive function in 110 patients with a primary brain tumor grades I-III or medulloblastoma (grade IV) treated at Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Denmark between 2006 and 2016. Two cohorts were established: a cohort of 81 brain tumor patients who had received neurosurgery followed by RT (RT+), and a cohort of 29 brain tumor patients who had only received neurosurgery (RT-). The patients underwent questionnaires and neuropsychological assessment with standardized tests. Results: Mean age was 53.5 years with an average time since diagnosis of 7.3 years. Compared with normative data, lower average scores were observed for the entire group on domains concerning of verbal learning and memory (p < .001), attention and working memory (p < .001), processing speed (p < .001), and executive functioning (p < .001). Compared to RT- patients, RT + patients scored lower on domains concerning processing speed (p = .04) and executive function (p = .05) and had higher impairment frequency on verbal fluency (p = .02) with 16% of patients exceeding 1.5 SD below normative data. Conclusions: Our results indicate that treatment, including RT, for a primary brain tumor may have negative long-term impact on cognitive function, especially on processing speed and executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Amidi
- Department of Oncology and Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisa M. Wu
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Slavka Lukacova
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Hanne Gottrup
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robert Zachariae
- Department of Oncology and Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Høyer
- Center for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Cheng H, Chen H, Lv Y, Chen Z, Li CSR. Prospective memory impairment following whole brain radiotherapy in patients with metastatic brain cancer. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5315-5321. [PMID: 30259694 PMCID: PMC6198199 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prospective memory (PM) impairment following whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in cancer patients with brain metastases. METHOD Eighty-one patients with metastatic brain cancer, agreeing to undergo WBRT, were enrolled and subjected to a battery of cognitive neuropsychological tests, including the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), verbal fluency test (VFT), digit span test (DST), and event-based and time-based prospective memory (EBPM and TBPM) tasks, before and after radiotherapy. RESULTS The patients with metastatic brain cancer after WBRT exhibited a significant decrease in the MMSE, DST, VFT, and EBPM scores (t = 6.258, 10.192, 5.361, -5.892, P < 0.01), but nonsignificant decrease in the TBPM scores (t = -1.172, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION There is significant EBPM impairment in cancer patients with brain metastases after WBRT, whereas that in the TBPM remained relatively unaffected. The result suggests that EBPM impairment may be as an early cognitive impairment marker in patients with BM who undergo WBRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhendong Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Burks JD, Conner AK, Bonney PA, Glenn CA, Baker CM, Boettcher LB, Briggs RG, O’Donoghue DL, Wu DH, Sughrue ME. Anatomy and white matter connections of the orbitofrontal gyrus. J Neurosurg 2018; 128:1865-1872. [DOI: 10.3171/2017.3.jns162070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is understood to have a role in outcome evaluation and risk assessment and is commonly involved with infiltrative tumors. A detailed understanding of the exact location and nature of associated white matter tracts could significantly improve postoperative morbidity related to declining capacity. Through diffusion tensor imaging–based fiber tracking validated by gross anatomical dissection as ground truth, the authors have characterized these connections based on relationships to other well-known structures.METHODSDiffusion imaging from the Human Connectome Project for 10 healthy adult controls was used for tractography analysis. The OFC was evaluated as a whole based on connectivity with other regions. All OFC tracts were mapped in both hemispheres, and a lateralization index was calculated with resultant tract volumes. Ten postmortem dissections were then performed using a modified Klingler technique to demonstrate the location of major tracts.RESULTSThe authors identified 3 major connections of the OFC: a bundle to the thalamus and anterior cingulate gyrus, passing inferior to the caudate and medial to the vertical fibers of the thalamic projections; a bundle to the brainstem, traveling lateral to the caudate and medial to the internal capsule; and radiations to the parietal and occipital lobes traveling with the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus.CONCLUSIONSThe OFC is an important center for processing visual, spatial, and emotional information. Subtle differences in executive functioning following surgery for frontal lobe tumors may be better understood in the context of the fiber-bundle anatomy highlighted by this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dee H. Wu
- 3Radiological Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Thippu Jayaprakash K, Wildschut K, Jena R. Feasibility of Hippocampal Avoidance Radiotherapy for Glioblastoma. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2017; 29:748-752. [PMID: 28693823 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
With improvements in survival for good performance status patients and in specific molecular subtypes of glioblastoma, some patients will survive to develop significant neurocognitive dysfunction. This retrospective planning study quantified hippocampal radiation doses in patients with glioblastoma receiving radical chemo-radiotherapy and compared this with the radiation doses that showed clinical correlation with neurocognitive dysfunction, and evaluated the potential for clinically meaningful hippocampal dose reduction using helical TomoTherapy®.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Thippu Jayaprakash
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
| | - K Wildschut
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Jena
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Cognitive function surrounding resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension: A prospective matched-control study. J Clin Neurosci 2017; 40:109-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Gheorghiu ML, Fleseriu M. STEREOTACTIC RADIATION THERAPY IN PITUITARY ADENOMAS, IS IT BETTER THAN CONVENTIONAL RADIATION THERAPY? ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2017; 13:476-490. [PMID: 31149219 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2017.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary radiotherapy (RT) has undergone important progress in the last decades due to the development of new stereotactic techniques which provide more precise tumour targeting with less overall radiation received by the adjacent brain structures. Pituitary surgery is usually first-line therapy in most patients with nonfunctioning (NFPA) and functioning adenomas (except for prolactinomas and large growth hormone (GH) secreting adenomas), while RT is used as second or third-line therapy. The benefits of RT (tumour volume control and, in functional tumours, decreased hormonal secretion) are hampered by the long latency of the effect and the potential side effects. This review presents the updates in the efficacy and safety of the new stereotactic radiation techniques in patients with NFPA, GH-, ACTH- or PRL-secreting pituitary adenomas. Methods A systematic review was performed using PubMed and articles/abstracts and reviews detailing RT in pituitary adenomas from 2000 to 2017 were included. Results Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic RT (FSRT) provide high rates of tumour control i.e. stable or decrease in tumour size, in all types of pituitary adenomas (median 92 - 98%) at 5 years. Endocrinological remission is however significantly lower: 44-52% in acromegaly, 54-64% in Cushing's disease and around 30% in prolactinomas at 5 years. The rate of new hypopituitarism varies from 10% to 50% at 5 years in all tumour types and as expected increases with the duration of follow-up (FU). The risk for other radiation-induced complications is usually low (0-5% for new visual deficits, cranial nerves damage or brain radionecrosis and extremely low for secondary brain tumours), however longer FU is needed to determine rates of secondary tumours. Notably, in acromegaly, there may be a higher risk for stroke with FSRT. Conclusion Stereotactic radiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent pituitary adenomas after unsuccessful surgery (especially if residual tumour is enlarging) and/or resistance or unavailability of medical therapy. Comparison with conventional radiation therapy (CRT) is rather difficult, due to the substantial heterogeneity of the studies. In order to evaluate the potential brain-sparing effect of the new stereotactic techniques, suggested by the current data, long-term studies evaluating secondary morbidity and mortality are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Gheorghiu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "C.I. Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Fleseriu
- Oregon Health & Science University, Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Neurological Surgery, and Northwest Pituitary Center, Portland, USA
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Long-term Outcome After Fractionated Radiotherapy for Pituitary Adenoma: The Curse of the Secretory Tumor. Am J Clin Oncol 2016; 39:49-54. [PMID: 25007040 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the influence of secretory status on long-term outcome after fractionated radiotherapy (RT) for gross residual pituitary adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of 116 consecutively treated patients who met the following inclusion criteria: tissue diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, visible tumor at the time of RT, treatment with fractionated RT, and imaging follow-up of ≥2 years. Hypersecretion of growth hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, prolactin, or thyroid-stimulating hormone was documented in 30 patients (26%). The RT dose in most (78%) patients was 45 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction. The major outcome endpoint is clinical and biochemical control, meaning no growth on follow-up scans and normalization of hypersecretion, if present before RT. RESULTS Long-term tumor control was outstanding for nonsecretory tumors: 96% at 10 years. There was a major drop in the control rate of secretory tumors: 10-year clinical and biochemical control was 62% (P<0.0001 vs. 96%). Multivariate analysis confirmed secretory status as the only independent prognostic factor (variables analyzed were sex, age, tumor size, RT dose, and secretory status). CONCLUSIONS Secretory pituitary adenomas have a worse prognosis than nonsecretory tumors after 45 to 50 Gy of conventionally fractionated RT. As a result of this finding, our plan is to increase the intensity of RT in secretory tumors, but our data did not evaluate this approach. The treatment guidelines that we currently use in pituitary adenoma are as follows. Radiosurgery (20 to 30 Gy) is our first-choice treatment of a secretory tumor that cannot be completely resected. When treating gross residual pituitary adenoma with fractionated RT, we use the following dose schedules: Nonsecretory: 45 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction, once-daily fractionation. Secretory: 54 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction once daily or 55.2 Gy at 1.2 Gy/fraction with twice-daily treatment.
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Hannon MJ, Barkan AL, Drake WM. The Role of Radiotherapy in Acromegaly. Neuroendocrinology 2016; 103:42-9. [PMID: 26088716 DOI: 10.1159/000435776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy has, historically, played a central role in the management of acromegaly, and the last 30 years have seen substantial improvements in the technology used in the delivery of radiation therapy. More recently, the introduction of highly targeted radiotherapy, or 'radiosurgery', has further increased the therapeutic options available in the management of secretory pituitary tumors. Despite these developments, improvements in primary surgical outcomes, an increase in the range and effectiveness of medical therapy options, and long-term safety concerns have combined to dictate that, although still deployed in selected cases, the use of radiotherapy in the management of acromegaly has declined steadily over the past 2 decades. In this article, we review some of the main studies that have documented the efficacy of pituitary radiotherapy on growth hormone hypersecretion and summarize the data around its potential deleterious effects, including hypopituitarism, cranial nerve damage, and the development of radiation-related intracerebral tumors. We also give practical recommendations to guide its future use in patients with acromegaly, generally, as a third-line intervention after neurosurgical intervention in combination with various medical therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Hannon
- Department of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
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15
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Crespo I, Santos A, Valassi E, Pires P, Webb SM, Resmini E. Impaired decision making and delayed memory are related with anxiety and depressive symptoms in acromegaly. Endocrine 2015; 50:756-63. [PMID: 26018738 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0634-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of cognitive function in acromegaly has revealed contradictory findings; some studies report normal cognition in patients with long-term cured acromegaly, while others show attention and memory deficits. Moreover, the presence of affective disorders in these patients is common. Our aim was to evaluate memory and decision making in acromegalic patients and explore their relationship with affective disorders like anxiety and depressive symptoms. Thirty-one patients with acromegaly (mean age 49.5 ± 8.5 years, 14 females and 17 males) and thirty-one healthy controls participated in this study. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used to evaluate decision making, verbal memory, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Acromegalic patients showed impairments in delayed verbal memory (p < 0.05) and more anxiety and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05) than controls. In the IGT, acromegalic patients presented an altered decision-making strategy compared to controls, choosing a lower number of the safer cards (p < 0.05) and higher number of the riskier cards (p < 0.05). Moreover, multiple correlations between anxiety and depressive symptoms and performance in memory and decision making were found. Impaired delayed memory and decision making observed in acromegalic patients are related to anxiety and depressive symptoms. Providing emotional support to the patients could improve their cognitive function. A key clinical application of this research is the finding that depressive symptoms and anxiety are essentially modifiable factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Crespo
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), IIB-Sant Pau, ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Santos
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), IIB-Sant Pau, ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Valassi
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), IIB-Sant Pau, ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Pires
- INNDACYT, CR Laureà Miró, 107, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susan M Webb
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), IIB-Sant Pau, ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugenia Resmini
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), IIB-Sant Pau, ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Lecumberri B, Estrada J, García-Uría J, Millán I, Pallardo LF, Caballero L, Lucas T. Neurocognitive long-term impact of two-field conventional radiotherapy in adult patients with operated pituitary adenomas. Pituitary 2015; 18:782-95. [PMID: 25820377 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-015-0653-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the long-term impact of postoperative two-field-conventional radiotherapy (RT) on neurocognitive functions of adult patients with operated pituitary adenomas (PA). METHODS We selected 124 adult patients with operated PA-56 of whom had also received RT-recorded their main clinical data and performed a neuropsychological assessment in all of them that included 15 standardized tests, and a cerebral SPECT in eight patients. Comparative analyses were carried out on major clinical and neurocognitive domains between irradiated and not irradiated patients, and on cerebral SPECT source. RESULTS Compared with non-irradiated patients, irradiated patients performed significantly worse on Barcelona's story recall test (P < 0.001) and arithmetic problems (P < 0.03) and on five categories of the Wisconsin card sorting test, especially on perseverative answers and errors (P < 0.001) without differences in other examined functional domains. RT was the only factor associated with worse results in these tests regardless other clinical and treatment-related variables. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that the probability of achieving poorer results with time was related to RT total dose and field-size, type of PA and age at the time of RT. Four of the five SPECTS performed in irradiated patients revealed a similar altered perfusion in the left temporal lobe cortical region. CONCLUSIONS In adult patients with operated PA, RT was independently associated with an impairment on verbal memory and executive function, when compared to non-irradiated patients. Our data suggest that diagnosis of acromegaly or Cushing's disease, and age at the time of RT were able to modulate this long-term radio-induced neurocognitive sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Lecumberri
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, La Paz University Hospital, Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Estrada
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - José García-Uría
- Neurosurgery Department, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Millán
- Statistics Department, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Felipe Pallardo
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, La Paz University Hospital, Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Caballero
- Psychiatry Department, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomás Lucas
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Sanchinarro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Minniti G, Scaringi C, Poggi M, Jaffrain Rea ML, Trillò G, Esposito V, Bozzao A, Enrici MM, Toscano V, Enrici RM. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for large and invasive non-functioning pituitary adenomas: long-term clinical outcomes and volumetric MRI assessment of tumor response. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 172:433-41. [PMID: 25627653 DOI: 10.1530/eje-14-0872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We describe the use of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for the treatment of large, invasive, nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). FSRT is frequently employed for the treatment of residual or recurrent pituitary adenomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-eight patients with a large residual or recurrent NFPAs were treated between April 2004 and December 2012, including 39 males and 29 females (median age 51 years). Visual defects were present in 34 patients, consisting of visual field defects (n=31) and/or reduced visual acuity (n=12). Forty-five patients had evidence of partial or total hypopituitarism before FSRT. For most of the patients, the treatment was delivered through 5-10 noncoplanar conformal fixed fields using a 6-MV linear accelerator to a dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 75 months (range 12-120 months), the 5- and 10-year actuarial local control were 97 and 91%, respectively, and overall survival 97 and 93%, respectively. Forty-nine patients had a tumor reduction, 16 remained stable, and three progressed. The relative tumor volume reduction measured using three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was 47%. The treatment was well tolerated with minimal acute toxicity. Eighteen patients developed partial or complete hypopituitarism. The actuarial incidence of new anterior pituitary deficits was 40% at 5 years and 72% at 10 years. No other radiation-induced complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that FSRT is an effective treatment for large or giant pituitary adenomas with low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Minniti
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Scaringi
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Poggi
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marie Lise Jaffrain Rea
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trillò
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Esposito
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bozzao
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Maurizi Enrici
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Toscano
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Maurizi Enrici
- Radiation Oncology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, ItalyIRCCS NeuromedPozzilli, Isernia, ItalyEndocrinology UnitNeurosurgery UnitNeuroradiology UnitOphthalmology UnitSant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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18
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Brummelman P, Sattler MG, Meiners LC, van den Berg G, van der Klauw MM, Elderson MF, Dullaart RP, Koerts J, Werumeus Buning J, Tucha O, Wolffenbuttel BH, van den Bergh AC, van Beek AP. Cognition and brain abnormalities on MRI in pituitary patients. Eur J Radiol 2015; 84:295-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2014.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Sattler MGA, Meiners LC, Sluiter WJ, van den Berg G, Langendijk JA, Wolffenbuttel BHR, van den Bergh ACM, van Beek AP. Brain abnormalities on MRI in non-functioning pituitary adenoma patients treated with or without postoperative radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2015; 114:239-44. [PMID: 25596913 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To assess and compare brain abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in non-functioning pituitary macro-adenoma (NFA) patients treated with or without postoperative radiotherapy (RT). MATERIAL AND METHODS In 86 NFA patients, treated between 1987 and 2008 at the University Medical Center Groningen, white-matter lesions (WMLs), cerebral atrophy, brain infarctions and abnormalities of the temporal lobes and hippocampi were assessed on pre- and post-treatment MRI scans in patients treated with (n=47) or without RT. RESULTS The median MRI follow-up time for RT patients was 10 (range 1-22) years and 5 (range 1-21) years in patients treated without RT. In RT patients the cumulative incidence of WMLs was significantly lower compared to patients treated without RT (log-rank test RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.97, p=.042). The cumulative incidences of cerebral atrophy, brain infarctions, abnormalities of the temporal lobes and hippocampi, and the severity of WMLs and cerebral atrophy ratings were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Brain abnormalities on MRI are not observed more frequently in NFA patients treated with RT compared to patients treated with surgery-alone. Furthermore, RT was not associated with an increased severity of WMLs and cerebral atrophy ratings in this cohort of NFA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margriet G A Sattler
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Linda C Meiners
- Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J Sluiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit van den Berg
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A Langendijk
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruce H R Wolffenbuttel
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alphons C M van den Bergh
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - André P van Beek
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Crespo I, Esther GM, Santos A, Valassi E, Yolanda VG, De Juan-Delago M, Webb SM, Gómez-Ansón B, Resmini E. Impaired decision-making and selective cortical frontal thinning in Cushing's syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2014; 81:826-33. [PMID: 25052342 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Cushing's syndrome (CS) is caused by a glucocorticoid excess. This hypercortisolism can damage the prefrontal cortex, known to be important in decision-making. Our aim was to evaluate decision-making in CS and to explore cortical thickness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-five patients with CS (27 cured, eight medically treated) and thirty-five matched controls were evaluated using Iowa gambling task (IGT) and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess cortical thickness. The IGT evaluates decision-making, including strategy and learning during the test. Cortical thickness was determined on MRI using freesurfer software tools, including a whole-brain analysis. RESULTS There were no differences between medically treated and cured CS patients. They presented an altered decision-making strategy compared to controls, choosing a lower number of the safer cards (P < 0·05). They showed more difficulties than controls to learn the correct profiles of wins and losses for each card group (P < 0·05). In whole-brain analysis, patients with CS showed decreased cortical thickness in the left superior frontal cortex, left precentral cortex, left insular cortex, left and right rostral anterior cingulate cortex, and right caudal middle frontal cortex compared to controls (P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with CS failed to learn advantageous strategies and their behaviour was driven by short-term reward and long-term punishment, indicating learning problems because they did not use previous experience as a feedback factor to regulate their choices. These alterations in decision-making and the decreased cortical thickness in frontal areas suggest that chronic hypercortisolism promotes brain changes which are not completely reversible after endocrine remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Crespo
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Abstract
During the last 20 years a tremendous improvement in the care of patients with pituitary tumors and of hypopituitarism has been achieved. If we resolve most of the possible causes of the increased cardiovascular disease and stroke mortality a normal survival is expected in these patients. Recently, a large population based study showed a decline in the risk of non-fatal stroke and of non-fatal cardiac events in GH deficient patients. This improvement was achieved by complete hormone replacement, including long term GH replacement, together with prescription of cardio protective drugs. If we follow the latest achievements in pituitary imaging, surgery techniques, hormone substitutions, cardio protective medications, we would expect a normal longevity in these patients. This review will focus on; (1) pituitary insufficiencies and hormone substitutions, (2) modes of cranial radiotherapy, and (3) new techniques in the surgery of a pituitary adenoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Marie Erfurth
- Department of Endocrinology, Skånes University Hospital, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
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22
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Brummelman P, Koerts J, Dullaart RPF, van den Berg G, Tucha O, Wolffenbuttel BHR, van Beek AP. Effects of previous growth hormone excess and current medical treatment for acromegaly on cognition. Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42:1317-24. [PMID: 23083406 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2012.02721.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In untreated acromegaly patients, decreased cognitive functioning is reported to be associated with the degree of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 excess. Whether previous GH excess or current medical treatment for acromegaly specifically affects cognition remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare cognitive functioning of patients who are treated for acromegaly with patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFA). In addition, we assessed the influence of prolonged medical treatment after initial transsphenoidal surgery on cognition. DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, 74 patients participated, who were treated for acromegaly (n = 50; median [interquartile range] age: 53 [45-65] years) or NFA (n = 24; age: 63 [59-70] years). The NFA patients were selected for a high likelihood of normal GH secretion based on an IGF-1 z-score within the normal range (> -2) and zero or one axis substituted. Of the acromegaly patients, 28 had achieved remission, while 22 were biochemically controlled with long-acting somatostatin analogues and/or pegvisomant. Memory and executive functioning were assessed by the 15 Words Test and the Ruff Figural Fluency Test, and reported as z-scores. RESULTS The total patient group scored significantly poorer than the reference population on memory and executive functioning (P < 0·001). However, cognitive test performance was not significantly different between acromegaly patients with a persistent disease, acromegaly patients in remission and NFA patients. CONCLUSION The total patient group scored worse compared with reference populations. We found no association between previous GH excess and cognition. In addition, current medical treatment for GH excess in acromegaly was not related to memory and executive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Brummelman
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Gregory SM, Parker B, Thompson PD. Physical activity, cognitive function, and brain health: what is the role of exercise training in the prevention of dementia? Brain Sci 2012; 2:684-708. [PMID: 24961266 PMCID: PMC4061820 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci2040684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tor preventive measures are necessary to attenuate the increased economic and social burden of dementia. This review will focus on the potential for physical activity and exercise training to promote brain health and improve cognitive function via neurophysiological changes. We will review pertinent animal and human research examining the effects of physical activity on cognitive function and neurophysiology. We will discuss cross-sectional and longitudinal studies addressing the relationship between neurocognitive health and cardiorespiratory fitness or habitual activity level. We will then present and discuss longitudinal investigations examining the effects of exercise training on cognitive function and neurophysiology. We will conclude by summarizing our current understanding of the relationship between physical activity and brain health, and present areas for future research given the current gaps in our understanding of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Gregory
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, USA.
| | - Beth Parker
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, USA.
| | - Paul D Thompson
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, USA.
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