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Maroufi SF, Assar M, Khorasanizadeh M, Sabet FM, Sabahi M, Dabecco R, Adada B, Zada G, Borghei-Razavi H. Assessment of multimodal treatment options in recurrent and persistent acromegaly: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurooncol 2024; 168:13-25. [PMID: 38587609 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04658-7] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In patients with acromegaly, secondary treatment options in cases of hormonal non-remission or tumor progression include repeat transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), radiation-based treatment (RT), or medical therapy (MT). In this study, we aim to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of various second-line treatment options for acromegaly. METHODS Using the PRISMA guideline, a systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic bibliographic databases from conception to the end of 2022. Outcomes of interest included hormonal remission rate, complications, and mortality associated with each treatment modality for refractory acromegaly. RESULTS A total of 79 studies including 3,208 refractory acromegaly patients (44.90% males) were analyzed, with a mean patient age of 43.89 years. There was a statistically significant difference between various therapeutic modalities in terms of remission rate, with MT offering the highest remission rate (62.55%), followed by RT (50.15%) and TSS (37.39%). Subgroup analysis of radiotherapeutic and medical modalities did not show a significant difference in remission rate between different kinds of sub-modalities in each treatment approach. Recurrence following secondary treatment was not different in patients treated with reoperation TSS compared to other modalities. CONCLUSIONS The management of persistent and recurrent acromegaly optimally requires a multimodal approach. In different scenarios of refractory acromegaly based on previous treatment, secondary treatments may vary in terms of remission rate and complications. Medical agents provide considerable effectiveness as a second-line therapy for recurrent or persistent disease. In selected cases, however, reoperation still provides an opportunity for cure or freedom from medications. The findings of this study may help clinicians to prioritize varying options involved in this multifaceted decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Farzad Maroufi
- Neurosurgery Research Network (NRN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manijeh Assar
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - MirHojjat Khorasanizadeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Fatemeh Mahdavi Sabet
- Neurosurgery Research Network (NRN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadmahdi Sabahi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Rocco Dabecco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Badih Adada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Gabriel Zada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hamid Borghei-Razavi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA.
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd., 33331, Weston, FL, USA.
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Caulley L, Krijkamp E, Doyle MA, Thavorn K, Alkherayf F, Sahlollbey N, Dong SX, Quinn J, Johnson-Obaseki S, Schramm D, Kilty SJ, Hunink MGM. Cost-effectiveness of direct surgery versus preoperative octreotide therapy for growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas. Pituitary 2022; 25:868-881. [PMID: 36030360 PMCID: PMC9675692 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of preoperative octreotide therapy followed by surgery versus the standard treatment modality for growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas, direct surgery (that is, surgery without preoperative treatment) from a public third-party payer perspective. METHODS We developed an individual-level state-transition microsimulation model to simulate costs and outcomes associated with preoperative octreotide therapy followed by surgery and direct surgery for patients with growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas. Transition probabilities, utilities, and costs were estimated from recent published data and discounted by 3% annually over a lifetime time horizon. Model outcomes included lifetime costs [2020 United States (US) Dollars], quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS Under base case assumptions, direct surgery was found to be the dominant strategy as it yielded lower costs and greater health effects (QALYs) compared to preoperative octreotide strategy in the second-order Monte Carlo microsimulation. The ICER was most sensitive to probability of remission following primary therapy and duration of preoperative octreotide therapy. Accounting for joint parameter uncertainty, direct surgery had a higher probability of demonstrating a cost-effective profile compared to preoperative octreotide treatment at 77% compared to 23%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Using standard benchmarks for cost-effectiveness in the US ($100,000/QALY), preoperative octreotide therapy followed by surgery may not be cost-effective compared to direct surgery for patients with growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenomas but the result is highly sensitive to initial treatment failure and duration of preoperative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Caulley
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Eline Krijkamp
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mary-Anne Doyle
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kednapa Thavorn
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Fahad Alkherayf
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nick Sahlollbey
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Selina X Dong
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jason Quinn
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stephanie Johnson-Obaseki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Schramm
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shaun J Kilty
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Myriam G M Hunink
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Health Decision Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Hug EB, Pelak M, Frank SJ, Fossati P. A Review of Particle Therapy for Skull Base Tumors: Modern Considerations and Future Directions. Int J Part Ther 2021; 8:168-178. [PMID: 34285944 PMCID: PMC8270106 DOI: 10.14338/ijpt-20-00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Skull base tumors constitute one of the established indications for particle therapy, specifically proton therapy. However, a number of prognostic factors, practical clinical management issues, and the emerging role of carbon ion therapy remain subjects of active clinical investigation. This review summarizes these topics, assesses the present status, and reflects on future research directions focusing on the management of chordomas, one of the most aggressive skull base tumors. In addition, the role of particle therapy for benign tumors of the skull base, including pituitary adenoma and acoustic neuroma, is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen B Hug
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Maciej Pelak
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Steven J Frank
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Radiation Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Piero Fossati
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
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Graham MT, Huang J, Creighton FX, Lediju Bell MA. Simulations and human cadaver head studies to identify optimal acoustic receiver locations for minimally invasive photoacoustic-guided neurosurgery. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2020; 19:100183. [PMID: 32695578 PMCID: PMC7364163 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2020.100183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Real-time intraoperative guidance during minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures (e.g., endonasal transsphenoidal surgery) is often limited to endoscopy and CT-guided image navigation, which can be suboptimal at locating underlying blood vessels and nerves. Accidental damage to these critical structures can have severe surgical complications, including patient blindness and death. Photoacoustic image guidance was previously proposed as a method to prevent accidental injury. While the proposed technique remains promising, the original light delivery and sound reception components of this technology require alterations to make the technique suitable for patient use. This paper presents simulation and experimental studies performed with both an intact human skull (which was cleaned from tissue attachments) and a complete human cadaver head (with contents and surrounding tissue intact) in order to investigate optimal locations for ultrasound probe placement during photoacoustic imaging and to test the feasibility of a modified light delivery design. Volumetric x-ray CT images of the human skull were used to create k-Wave simulations of acoustic wave propagation within this cranial environment. Photoacoustic imaging of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was performed with this same skull. Optical fibers emitting 750 nm light were inserted into the nasal cavity for ICA illumination. The ultrasound probe was placed on three optimal regions identified by simulations: (1) nasal cavity, (2) ocular region, and (3) 1 mm-thick temporal bone (which received 9.2%, 4.7%, and 3.8% of the initial photoacoustic pressure, respectively, in simulations). For these three probe locations, the contrast of the ICA in comparative experimental photoacoustic images was 27 dB, 19 dB, and 12 dB, respectively, with delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming and laser pulse energies of 3 mJ, 5 mJ, and 4.2 mJ, respectively. Short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) beamforming improved the contrast of these DAS images by up to 15 dB, enabled visualization of multiple cross-sectional ICA views in a single image, and enabled the use of lower laser energies. Combined simulation and experimental results with the emptied skull and >1 mm-thick temporal bone indicated that the ocular and nasal regions were more optimal probe locations than the temporal ultrasound probe location. Results from both the same skull filled with ovine brains and eyes and the human cadaver head validate the ocular region as an optimal acoustic window for our current system setup, producing high-contrast (i.e., up to 35 dB) DAS and SLSC photoacoustic images within the laser safety limits of a novel, compact light delivery system design that is independent of surgical tools (i.e., a fiber bundle with 6.8 mm outer diameter, 2 mm-diameter optical aperture, and an air gap spacing between the sphenoid bone and fiber tips). These results are promising toward identifying, quantifying, and overcoming major system design barriers to proceed with future patient testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T. Graham
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | | | - Muyinatu A. Lediju Bell
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University
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5
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do Amaral LC, Reis BL, Ribeiro-Oliveira A, da Silva Santos TM, Giannetti AV. Comparative study of complications after primary and revision transsphenoidal endoscopic surgeries. Neurosurg Rev 2020; 44:1687-1702. [PMID: 32783077 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-020-01360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A preferred treatment for residual/recurrent pituitary adenomas has not been established. The existence of higher complication rates for revision surgeries remains under debate. This study aimed to compare complication rates of primary and revision transsphenoidal endoscopic surgeries and to identify risk factors for complications. Data from 144 primary and 39 revision surgeries were analysed. The surgical complications evaluated were intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks; meningitis; permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) and hypopituitarism; worsening visual acuity; ophthalmoplegias; visual field defects; otorhinolaryngological, systemic and vascular complications; and death. The variables that were potentially associated with surgical complications were gender, age, comorbidities, lumbar drain use, duration of lumbar drain use, invasion of the sphenoid and cavernous sinuses, presence and degree of suprasellar expansion, preoperative identification of the pituitary, CSF leaks and intraoperative pituitary identification. Intraoperative CSF leaks, visual field losses and worsening visual acuity were more common for revision surgeries. There were no between-group differences in the occurrence of postoperative CSF leaks; systemic, vascular and otorhinolaryngological complications; meningitis; DI and hypopituitarism; ophthalmoplegias; or death. Intraoperative identification of the pituitary was associated with lower rates of permanent DI and hypopituitarism, systemic complications, intraoperative CSF leaks and worsening visual acuity. Suprasellar expansion increased the risk of intraoperative CSF leaks but not endocrinological deficits or visual impairment. Intraoperative CSF leaks were associated with postoperative CSF leaks, meningitis, anterior hypopituitarism, DI and worsening visual acuity. Intraoperative CSF leaks, worsening visual acuity and visual field losses were more common in reoperated patients.
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Heringer LC, Machado de Lima M, Rotta JM, Botelho RV. Effect of Stereotactic Radiosurgery on Residual or Relapsed Pituitary Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World Neurosurg 2019; 136:374-381.e4. [PMID: 31899390 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pituitary tumors, the presence of residual tumor after transsphenoidal surgery and recurrence of the tumor after resection are frequent, and the best treatment is not well established. The effects and complications of stereotactic radiosurgery have not been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE We aimed to reveal the effect of stereotactic radiosurgery on residual and recurrent adenomas. METHODS A systematic review of the literature in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Database, and Google Scholar was conducted using the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The search was structured according to the PICOT (i.e., Participants, types of Interventions, Comparator between the treatments, types of Outcome measures, and Follow-up [Time of duration]) strategy. The methodologic quality assessment (risk of bias) was performed according to the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale. The studies were grouped and analyzed after data extraction using the software "R". RESULTS Twenty-six articles including 2315 patients were analyzed, with an average follow-up duration of 57.8 months and mean radiation marginal dose of 19.6 Gy. The overall tumor control rate was 95%, tumor reduction rate was 46%, and hormonal control rate was 67%. The side effects were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS Stereotactic radiosurgery was efficient in residual or recurrence tumor control, with few side effects, and is recommended for treating residual or recurrent tumors, both secreting and nonsecreting tumors. A limitation of this study is that there were no randomized trials included in the synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maíra Machado de Lima
- Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Marcus Rotta
- Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vieira Botelho
- Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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7
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Farrell CJ, Garzon-Muvdi T, Fastenberg JH, Nyquist GG, Rabinowitz MR, Rosen MR, Evans JJ. Management of Nonfunctioning Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2019; 30:473-482. [PMID: 31471054 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are typically slow-growing benign tumors. However, 50% to 60% of tumors progress following subtotal resection and up to 30% recur after apparent complete resection. Options for treatment of recurrent pituitary adenomas include repeat surgical resection, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies. There is no consensus approach for the management of recurrent pituitary adenomas. This article reviews the natural history of recurrent adenomas and emerging biomarkers predictive of clinical behavior as well as the outcomes associated with the various treatment modalities for these challenging tumors, with an emphasis on the surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Farrell
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tomas Garzon-Muvdi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Judd H Fastenberg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gurston G Nyquist
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mindy R Rabinowitz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marc R Rosen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James J Evans
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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8
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Yun JJ, Johans SJ, Shepherd DJ, Martin B, Joyce C, Borys E, Reddy AS, Patel CR, Germanwala AV. The Utility of Using Preoperative MRI as a Predictor for Intraoperative Pituitary Adenoma Consistency and Surgical Resection Technique. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2019; 81:651-658. [PMID: 33381369 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1694049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Most pituitary adenomas are of soft consistency and can be resected during surgery with routine suction instruments. However, fibrous adenomas may require more aggressive techniques. The ability to predict consistency on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would improve preoperative preparation and may have implications on the extent of resection. Design A retrospective review of MRI and tumor histology of 50 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal resection for nonfunctional adenomas was performed. Methods An intensity ratio was calculated based on quantitative MRI signal intensity of the adenoma and pons. Intraoperatively, a sequentially graded technique required for resection ranged from suction (R1) for softer tumors, curettes (R2) for tumors with intermediate consistency, and aspirators and/or other microinstruments (R3) for firmer tumors. Fibrotic content was determined from histologic collagen percentage, and rates of gross total resection (GTR) were calculated from postoperative imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if resection classification could be predicted by intensity ratio or collagen percentage, calculate ratio of cut-off points for clinical use, and assess for correlation between intensity ratios and collagen percentage. Results Tumors with ratios < 1.6 on the T2-weighted coronal image and collagen content > 5.3% were likely to have required a more aggressive resection technique. Statistically significant lower rates of GTR and higher rates of perioperative complications were seen with such tumors. Conclusion Preoperative MRI analyses can be helpful but not definitive in predicting adenoma consistency. Fibrous adenomas, associated with higher collagen content, are more difficult to resect and have higher rates of subtotal resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Yun
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - Stephen J Johans
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - Daniel J Shepherd
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - Brendan Martin
- Clinical Research Office, Health Sciences Division, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - Cara Joyce
- Clinical Research Office, Health Sciences Division, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - Ewa Borys
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, United States.,Department of Pathology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - A Suresh Reddy
- Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, United States
| | - Chirag R Patel
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, United States.,Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, United States
| | - Anand V Germanwala
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, United States.,Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, United States
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Dai C, Liu X, Ma W, Wang R. The Treatment of Refractory Pituitary Adenomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:334. [PMID: 31191457 PMCID: PMC6548863 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Refractory pituitary adenomas (PAs) are defined as aggressive-invasive PAs characterized by a high Ki-67 index, rapid growth, frequent recurrence, and resistance to conventional treatments. It is notoriously difficult to manage refractory PAs because the efficacy of current therapeutic options is limited. The purpose of this review is to address currently employed and promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of refractory PAs. Except for prolactinomas, neurosurgery is the first-line option, but most refractory PAs often recur or re-grow after initial surgery and require further treatments. Medical therapy, radiotherapy and re-operation are explored when surgery has failed to completely resect tumors; however, refractory PAs are usually resistant to these treatments. As a salvage treatment, temozolomide (TMZ) has shown promising results and is currently used for all types of refractory PAs. However, not all refractory PAs are responsive to TMZ treatment, and some of these PAs are resistant to TMZ. Although targeted therapies such as vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and mTOR inhibitors have also been used to treat refractory PAs, the effectiveness of these targeted therapies is still not known due to a lack of data from randomized prospective trials. As a novel therapeutic method, cancer immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of refractory PAs, but further preclinical research and clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of this new approach. In summary, early identification and a multidisciplinary approach are required to treat refractory PAs.
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