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Capatina C, Hanzu FA, Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Fleseriu M. Medical treatment of functional pituitary adenomas, trials and tribulations. J Neurooncol 2024; 168:197-213. [PMID: 38760632 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04670-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Functioning pituitary adenomas (FPAs) include most frequently prolactinomas, somatotroph or corticotroph adenomas, while thyrotroph and gonadotroph adenomas are very rare. Despite their benign histological nature (aggressive tumors are rare and malignant ones exceptional), FPAs could cause significant morbidity and increased mortality due to complications associated with hormonal excess syndromes and/or mass effect leading to compression of adjacent structures. This mini review will focus on the increasing role of medical therapy in the multimodal treatment, which also includes transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and radiotherapy. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Most patients with prolactinomas are treated only with medications, but surgery could be considered for some patients in a specialized pituitary center, if higher chances of cure. Dopamine agonists, especially cabergoline, are efficient in reducing tumor size and normalizing prolactin. TSS is the first-line treatment for all other FPAs, but most patients require complex adjuvant treatment, including a combination of therapeutic approaches. Medical therapy is the cornerstone of treatment in all patients after unsuccessful surgery or when surgery cannot be offered and includes somatostatin receptor ligands and dopamine agonists (almost all FPAs), growth hormone receptor antagonists (acromegaly), adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors and glucocorticoid receptor blockers (Cushing's disease). Novel medical treatments, especially for acromegaly and Cushing's disease are under research. CONCLUSIONS An enlarged panel of effective drugs available with increased knowledge of predictive factors for response and/or adverse effects will enhance the possibility to offer a more individualized treatment. This would not only improve disease control and prognosis, but also quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capatina
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, and Department of Pituitary and Neuroendocrine Pathology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felicia Alexandra Hanzu
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Endocrinology Division and Department of Medicine, Pituitary Clinic, Hospital Universitario U.A.N.L, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition) and Neurological Surgery, and Pituitary Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Li Y, Ren X, Gao W, Cai R, Wu J, Liu T, Chen X, Jiang D, Chen C, Cheng Q, Wu A, Cheng W. The biological behavior and clinical outcome of pituitary adenoma are affected by the microenvironment. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14729. [PMID: 38738958 PMCID: PMC11090080 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary adenoma is one of the most common brain tumors. Most pituitary adenomas are benign and can be cured by surgery and/or medication. However, some pituitary adenomas show aggressive growth with a fast growth rate and are resistant to conventional treatments such as surgery, drug therapy, and radiation therapy. These tumors, referred to as refractory pituitary adenomas, often relapse or regrow in the early postoperative period. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has recently been identified as an important factor affecting the biological manifestations of tumors and acts as the main battlefield between the tumor and the host immune system. MAIN BODY In this review, we focus on describing TME in pituitary adenomas and refractory pituitary adenomas. Research on the immune microenvironment of pituitary adenomas is currently focused on immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes, and extensive research and experimental verifications are still required regarding other components of the TME. In particular, studies are needed to determine the role of the TME in the specific biological behaviors of refractory pituitary adenomas, such as high invasion, fast recurrence rate, and high tolerance to traditional treatments and to identify the mechanisms involved. CONCLUSION Overall, we summarize the similarities and differences between the TME of pituitary adenomas and refractory pituitary adenomas as well as the changes in the biological behavior of pituitary adenomas that may be caused by the microenvironment. These changes greatly affect the outcome of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xiufang Ren
- Department of PathologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Ruikai Cai
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Jianqi Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Tianqi Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Daoming Jiang
- Shenyang ShenDa Endoscopy Co., Ltd.ShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Chong Chen
- Shenyang ShenDa Endoscopy Co., Ltd.ShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Anhua Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
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Dzialach L, Sobolewska J, Zak Z, Respondek W, Witek P. Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas: male-specific differences in pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1338345. [PMID: 38370355 PMCID: PMC10870150 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1338345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Prolactinomas (PRLomas) constitute approximately half of all pituitary adenomas and approximately one-fifth of them are diagnosed in males. The clinical presentation of PRLomas results from direct prolactin (PRL) action, duration and severity of hyperprolactinemia, and tumor mass effect. Male PRLomas, compared to females, tend to be larger and more invasive, are associated with higher PRL concentration at diagnosis, present higher proliferative potential, are more frequently resistant to standard pharmacotherapy, and thus may require multimodal approach, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and alternative medical agents. Therefore, the management of PRLomas in men is challenging in many cases. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia is associated with a significant negative impact on men's health, including sexual function and fertility potential, bone health, cardiovascular and metabolic complications, leading to decreased quality of life. In this review, we highlight the differences in pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of PRLomas concerning the male sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Dzialach
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Sobolewska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Zak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wioleta Respondek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Mazovian Brodnowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Witek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Iglesias P. Aggressive and Metastatic Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors: Therapeutic Management and Off-Label Drug Use. J Clin Med 2023; 13:116. [PMID: 38202123 PMCID: PMC10779494 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010116] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the most common pituitary tumors and the second most common brain tumors. Although the vast majority (>90%) are benign, a small percentage (<2%) are aggressive. These aggressive PitNETs (AgPitNETs) are defined by the presence of radiological invasion, a high rate of cell proliferation, resistance to conventional treatments, and/or a high propensity for recurrence. Lastly, there are the rare pituitary carcinomas, also known as metastatic PitNETs (MetPitNETs), which account for only 0.2% of cases and are defined by the presence of craniospinal or distant metastases. At present, there are no definitive factors that allow us to predict with certainty the aggressive behavior of PitNETs, making the therapeutic management of AgPitNETs a real challenge. Surgery is considered the first-line treatment for AgPitNETs and MetPitNETs. Radiation therapy can be effective in controlling tumor growth and regulating hormone hypersecretion. Currently, there are no approved non-endocrine medical therapies for the management of AgPitNETs/MetPitNETs, mainly due to the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials. As a result, many of the medical therapies used are off-label drugs, and several are under investigation. Temozolomide (TMZ) is now recognized as the primary medical treatment following the failure of standard therapy (medical treatment, surgery, and radiotherapy) in AgPitNETs/MetPitNETs due to its ability to improve overall and progression-free survival rates in responding patients over 5 years. Other therapeutic options include pituitary-targeted therapies (dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogs), hormonal antisecretory drugs, non-hormonal targeted therapies, radionuclide treatments, and immunotherapy. However, the number of patients who have undergone these treatments is limited, and the results obtained to date have been inconsistent. As a result, it is imperative to expand the cohort of patients undergoing treatment to better determine the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these drugs for individuals with AgPitNETs/MetPitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Iglesias
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), 28222 Madrid, Spain
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Duncan GE, Avery A, Maamar MB, Nilsson EE, Beck D, Skinner MK. Epigenome-wide association study of systemic effects of obesity susceptibility in human twins. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2268834. [PMID: 37871278 PMCID: PMC10595392 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2268834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study was designed to use an epigenome-wide association approach (EWAS) to identify potential systemic DNA methylation alterations that are associated with obesity using 22 discordant twin pairs. Buccal cells (from a cheek swab) were used as a non-obesity relevant purified marker cell for the epigenetic analysis. Analysis of differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) was used to identify epigenetic associations with metabolic and dietary measures related to obesity with discordant twins. An edgeR analysis provided a DMR signature with p < 1e-04, but statistical significance was reduced due to low sample size and known multiple origins of obesity. A weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed and identified modules (p < 0.005) of epigenetic sites that correlated with different metabolic and dietary measures. The DMR and WGCNA epigenetic sites were near genes (e.g., CIDEC, SPP1, ZFPG9, and POMC) with previously identified obesity associated pathways (e.g., metabolism, cholesterol, and fat digestion). Observations demonstrate the feasibility of identifying systemic epigenetic biomarkers for obesity, which can be further investigated for clinical relevance in future research with larger sample sizes. The availability of a systemic epigenetic biomarker for obesity susceptibility may facilitate preventative medicine and clinical management of the disease early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen E. Duncan
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Ally Avery
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric E. Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Lamas C, Cámara R, Fajardo C, Remon-Ruiz P, Biagetti B, Guerrero-Pérez F, Araujo-Castro M, Mora M, Hanzu F, Iglesias P, García-Centeno R, Soto A. Efficacy and safety of temozolomide in the treatment of aggressive pituitary neuroendocrine tumours in Spain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1204206. [PMID: 37720528 PMCID: PMC10500829 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1204206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Current guidelines recommend temozolomide as the first-line chemotherapy for aggressive pituitary neuroendocrine tumours. However, no clinical trials have been conducted to date and clinical experience is quite limited. We retrospectively analyzed 28 patients (9 women and 19 men), aged 46.6 + 16.9, with aggressive pituitary tumours (4 pituitary carcinomas and 24 aggressive adenomas) treated with temozolomide in 10 Spanish pituitary reference centres. Four patients had Cushing's disease, 9 prolactinomas and 15 clinically non-functioning pituitary tumours (seven silent corticotroph, three silent somatotroph, one silent lactotroph, one silent gondotroph and three null-cell tumours). Median size at diagnosis was 10.5 cm3 (IQR 4.7-22.5), with cavernous sinus invasion in 88% and no metastases. Pre-temozolomide treatment, these data were 5.2 cm3 (IQR 1.9-12.3), 89.3% and 14.3% (2 intracranial and 2 spinal metastases). All patients had undergone surgery (1-5 surgeries), 25 (89.3%) had received radiotherapy (7 of them reirradiated) and 13(46.4%) had received cabergoline. One patient interrupted temozolomide prematurely. The remaining 27 patients received a median of 13 cycles (range 3-66) of 5 days every 28 days, with a mean initial dose of 265 ± 73 mg when administered alone and of 133 ± 15 mg when co-administered with radiotherapy. Eight patients (29.6%) had a significant reduction (>30%) in tumour volume and 14 (51.9%) attained tumour stabilization. After a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR 10-55), 8 out of these 22 showed disease progression. A longer progression-free survival was found in the five patients who received concomitant radiotherapy. Seven patients (25%) died (all of them because of tumour progression or complications of treatments) at 77 months (IQR 42-136) after diagnosis and 29 months (IQR 16-55) after the first dose of temozolomide. Adverse effects occurred in 18 patients (14 mild and 4 moderate or severe). In conclusion, temozolomide is an effective medical treatment for aggressive pitNET and pituitary carcinomas but is sometimes followed by tumour progression. Co-administration with radiotherapy may increase progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lamas
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Rosa Cámara
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Fajardo
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de La Ribera, Alzira, Spain
| | - Pablo Remon-Ruiz
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Betina Biagetti
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Guerrero-Pérez
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Marta Araujo-Castro
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felicia Hanzu
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Iglesias
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Rogelio García-Centeno
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Soto
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
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Padovan M, Cerretti G, Caccese M, Barbot M, Bergo E, Occhi G, Scaroni C, Lombardi G, Ceccato F. Knowing when to discontinue Temozolomide therapy in responding aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas: a systematic review and Padua (Italy) case series. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:181-198. [PMID: 36876325 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2185221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pituitary adenomas can show a tendency to grow, despite multimodal treatment. Temozolomide (TMZ) has been used in the last 15 years in patients with aggressive pituitary tumors. TMZ requires a careful balance of different expertise, especially for selection criteria. AREAS COVERED We conducted: (1) a systematic review of the published literature from 2006 to 2022, collecting only cases with a complete description of patient follow-up after TMZ discontinuation; (2) a description of all patients with aggressive pituitary adenoma or carcinoma treated in Padua (Italy). EXPERT OPINION There is considerable heterogeneity in the literature: TMZ cycles duration ranged from 3 to 47 months; the follow-up time after TMZ discontinuation ranged from 4 to 91 months (mean 24 months, median 18 months), at least a stable disease has been reported in 75% of patients after a mean 13 months (range 3-47 months, median 10 months). The Padua (Italy) cohort reflects the literature. Future directions to explore are to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of TMZ resistance escape, to develop predicting factors to TMZ treatment (especially through the delineation of the underlying transformation processes), and to further expand the therapeutic applications of TMZ (as neoadjuvant, combined with radiotherapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Padovan
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Cerretti
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bergo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Occhi
- Department of Biology DIBIO, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Yang J, Xu Y, Fu Z, Chen J, Fan W, Wu X. Progress in research and development of temozolomide brain-targeted preparations: a review. J Drug Target 2023; 31:119-133. [PMID: 36039767 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2119243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are a heterogeneous group of brain tumours with high malignancy, for which surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment at present. However, the overall prognosis of gliomas remains poor because of their aggressiveness and high recurrence. Temozolomide (TMZ) has anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects and is indicated for glioblastoma multiforme and recurrent mesenchymal astrocytoma. However, TMZ is disadvantaged by low efficacy and drug resistance, and therefore it is necessary to enhance the brain drug concentration of TMZ to improve its effectiveness and reduce the toxic and adverse effects from systemic administration. There have been many nano-formulations developed for the delivery of TMZ to gliomas that overcome the limitations of TMZ penetration to tumours and increase brain targeting. In this paper, we review the research progress of TMZ nano-formulations, and also discuss challenges and opportunities in the research and development of drug delivery systems, hoping that the data and information summarised herein could provide assistance for the clinical treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefen Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youfa Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Wei Er Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqin Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Wei Er Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Wei Er Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Survival for patients with aggressive pituitary tumours (APT) and pituitary carcinomas (PC) has significantly improved following the increasing use of temozolomide (TMZ) since the first reports of response in 2006. TMZ was established as first line chemotherapy for APT/PC in the 2018 ESE guidelines on the management of APT/PC. There is no controversy over its use as salvage therapy however there is increasing interest in exploring TMZ use earlier in the treatment algorithm for APT/PC. Overall response rates as reported in systematic reviews are around 40% but stable disease in another 25% illustrates the clinical effectiveness of TMZ. Response is higher among functional compared to non-functional tumours. Where maximal radiation thresholds have not been reached in a patient, combination radiotherapy and TMZ appears more effective. Whether combination TMZ and capecitabine (CAPTEM) offers increased benefit remains uncertain particularly given added toxicity. O6-methyl guanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) status is important in determining response to treatment, although examination via immunohistochemistry versus PCR-based promoter-methylation analysis remains somewhat controversial. Optimal duration of TMZ treatment has still not been determined although longer treatment courses have been associated with increased progression-free survival. Treatment options following disease progression after TMZ remain unclear but include a second course of TMZ, immunotherapy and targeted oncological agents such as bevacizumab and lapatinib as well as peptide receptor radionuclide treatment (PRRT). An experienced pituitary multidisciplinary team is essential to all management decisions in patients with APT/PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann McCormack
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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