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Sulu C, Gul N, Tanrikulu S, Ciftci S, Yener Ozturk F, Sarac B, Ersungur EB, Tanriover E, Sahin S, Ozkaya HM, Poyraz BC, Kadioglu P. Risk of impulse control disorders in patients with Cushing's disease: do not blame cabergoline but do not give up caution. Pituitary 2023:10.1007/s11102-023-01342-3. [PMID: 37474846 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To asses risk of new-onset impulse control disorders (ICDs) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) who initiated cabergoline (CBG) and to determine frequency of ICDs in CBG-treated patients with CD. METHODS This naturalistic observational study had prospective and cross-sectional arms which included patients at five referral centers based in Istanbul. Patients who were scheduled for CBG were assigned to prospective arm. These patients underwent neuropsychological tests (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview, Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale, Go/No-Go Task, Iowa Gambling Task, and Short Penn Continuous Performance Test) for assessment of impulsivity and psychiatric evaluations at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of CBG treatment. Impulsivity and new-onset ICDs were prospectively assessed. Patients with CD with current CBG treatment for ≥ 3 months and matched CBG-naïve patients with CD were included in cross-sectional arm. These patients underwent the same neuropsychological and psychiatric assessments. The impulsivity and frequency of ICDs were compared between CBG-treated and CBG-naïve patients with CD. RESULTS The follow-up duration of prospective cohort (n = 14) was 7.3 ± 2.3 months. One patient developed major depressive episode and another patient developed compulsive gambling after CBG. We observed no significant changes in impulsivity scores during follow-up. In cross-sectional arm, CBG-treated (n = 34) and CBG-naïve patients (n = 34) were similar in impulsivity scores and frequency of ICDs [3 patients (8.8%) vs. 2 patients (5.9%) respectively, p = 1.0]. CONCLUSION CBG-treated patients with CD appeared to have a low risk of ICDs, suggesting that CBG still holds promise as a safe agent in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Sulu
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Kocamustafapasa Street No:53, Fatih, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurdan Gul
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seher Tanrikulu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Acibadem Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Ciftci
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Yener Ozturk
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Sarac
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Burcu Ersungur
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Serdar Sahin
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Kocamustafapasa Street No:53, Fatih, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hande Mefkure Ozkaya
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Kocamustafapasa Street No:53, Fatih, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burc Cagri Poyraz
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Kadioglu
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Kocamustafapasa Street No:53, Fatih, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Sabahi M, Ghasemi-Nesari P, Maroufi SF, Shahbazi T, Yousefi O, Shahtaheri SA, Bin-Alamer O, Dabecco R, Velasquez N, Arce KM, Adada B, Benjamin CG, Borghei-Razavi H. Recurrent Cushing Disease: An Extensive Review on Pros and Cons of Different Therapeutic Approaches. World Neurosurg 2023; 172:49-65. [PMID: 36739900 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.01.108] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recurrent Cushing disease (CD) is characterized by the reappearance of clinical and hormonal aspects of hypercortisolism that occur more than 6 months after an initial post-treatment remission. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the evidence about remission and complication rates after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) radiotherapy (RT) and medical therapy (MT) in recurrent CD patients. A quantitative systematic review was performed. Article selection was performed by searching MEDLINE (using PubMed), and Cochrane electronic bibliographic databases through 2020. RESULTS We noted 61 articles described therapeutic management of recurrent CD patients with representative outcome. A total of 723 patients received different therapeutic modality for their recurrent CD. The remission rates were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.70), 0.57 (95% CI 0.51-0.63), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.60-0.86) in the TSS, RT, and MT subgroups, respectively. The total remission rate after therapeutic approaches on recurrent CD patients was 0.64 (95% CI 0.60-0.68). A test for subgroup differences revealed there was a statistically significant difference between different subgroups (P = 0.01). The post hoc test showed that in comparison with RT, TSS (P = 0.0344) and MT (P = 0.0149) had a higher rate of remission. However, there was no statistically significant difference between separate therapeutic modalities in terms of complications including diabetes insipidus (P = 1.0) and hypopituitarism (P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS Compared MT and TSS, RT has a statistically lower rate of remission. Although there is robust superiority of surgery over RT, interpretation of MT data must considered with caution due to the small number of included cases and wide CI range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadmahdi Sabahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paniz Ghasemi-Nesari
- Neurosurgery Research Group (NRG), Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Farzad Maroufi
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taha Shahbazi
- Neurosurgery Research Group (NRG), Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Yousefi
- Trauma Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Shahtaheri
- Neurosurgery Research Group (NRG), Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Othman Bin-Alamer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rocco Dabecco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | - Nathalia Velasquez
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | - Karla M Arce
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | - Badih Adada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | | | - Hamid Borghei-Razavi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Pauline Braathen Neurological Centre, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA.
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Mehlich A, Bolanowski M, Mehlich D, Witek P. Medical treatment of Cushing's disease with concurrent diabetes mellitus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1174119. [PMID: 37139336 PMCID: PMC10150952 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1174119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is a severe endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hypercortisolaemia secondary to an overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by a pituitary adenoma. Cortisol excess impairs normal glucose homeostasis through many pathophysiological mechanisms. The varying degrees of glucose intolerance, including impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are commonly observed in patients with CD and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Although definitive surgical treatment of ACTH-secreting tumors remains the most effective therapy to control both cortisol levels and glucose metabolism, nearly one-third of patients present with persistent or recurrent disease and require additional treatments. In recent years, several medical therapies demonstrated prominent clinical efficacy in the management of patients with CD for whom surgery was non-curative or for those who are ineligible to undergo surgical treatment. Cortisol-lowering medications may have different effects on glucose metabolism, partially independent of their role in normalizing hypercortisolaemia. The expanding therapeutic landscape offers new opportunities for the tailored therapy of patients with CD who present with glucose intolerance or DM, however, additional clinical studies are needed to determine the optimal management strategies. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology of impaired glucose metabolism caused by cortisol excess and review the clinical efficacy of medical therapies of CD, with particular emphasis on their effects on glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mehlich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Bolanowski
- Chair and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Isotope Treatment, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dawid Mehlich
- Laboratory of Molecular OncoSignalling, International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMol) Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School of Medical University of Warsaw, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Witek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Przemysław Witek,
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Pivonello R, Pivonello C, Simeoli C, De Martino MC, Colao A. The dopaminergic control of Cushing's syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1297-1315. [PMID: 35460460 PMCID: PMC9184412 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01661-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's Syndrome (CS), or chronic endogenous hypercortisolism, is a rare and serious disease due to corticotroph pituitary (Cushing's disease, CD) and extra-pituitary (ectopic CS) tumours overproducing ACTH, or cortisol-secreting adrenal tumours or lesions (adrenal CS). The first-line treatment for CS is represented by the surgical removal of the responsible tumour, but surgery might be unfeasible or ineffective and medical treatment can be required in a relevant percentage of patients with CS, especially CD and ectopic CS. Corticotroph pituitary and extra-pituitary tumours, as well as adrenal tumours and lesions responsible for CS express dopamine receptors (DRs), which have been found to mediate inhibition of hormone secretion and/or cell proliferation in experimental setting, suggesting that dopaminergic system, particularly DRs, might represent a target for the treatment of CS. Dopamine agonists (DAs), particularly cabergoline (CAB), are currently used as off-label treatment for CD, the most common form of CS, demonstrating efficacy in controlling hormone secretion and tumour growth in a relevant number of cases, with the improvement of clinical picture, and displaying good safety profile. Therefore, CAB may be considered a reasonable alternative treatment for persistent or recurrent CD after pituitary surgery failure, but occasionally also before pituitary surgery, as adjuvant treatment, or even instead of pituitary surgery as first-line treatment in case of surgery contraindications or refusal. A certain beneficial effect of CAB has been also reported in ectopic CS. However, the role of DAs in the clinical management of the different types of CS requires further evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pivonello
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II Di Napoli, Naples, Italy.
- UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - C Pivonello
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II Di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - C Simeoli
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II Di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - M C De Martino
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II Di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Colao
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II Di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Simões Corrêa Galendi J, Correa Neto ANS, Demetres M, Boguszewski CL, Nogueira VDSN. Effectiveness of Medical Treatment of Cushing's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:732240. [PMID: 34603209 PMCID: PMC8485729 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.732240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pasireotide, cabergoline, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, metyrapone, osilodrostat, and temozolomide for the treatment of Cushing's disease (CD). METHODS The primary outcomes were the proportion of CD control, adverse events (AE), and reduction of urinary free cortisol. Search strategies were applied to Embase, Medline, and CENTRAL. Independent reviewers assessed the study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias. Standardized mean difference was calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous data (i.e., pre- and post-intervention). Random meta-analyses for the proportion of CD control and AE were conducted. RESULTS Twenty-nine controlled and non-controlled studies were included. No study with temozolomide and levoketoconazole and one study with osilodrostat fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses of proportion of CD control was 35% for cabergoline (95% CI: 27-43%, six studies, 141 participants), 44% for pasireotide (95% CI: 25-35%, eight studies, 522 participants), 41% for ketoconazole (95% CI: 36-46%, six studies, 450 participants), 66% for metyrapone (95% CI: 46-87%, four studies, 66 participants), and of 66.4% for osilodrostat (95% CI: 57.9, 74.3, 97 participants, one study). One study compared two different treatments (cabergoline vs. ketoconazole), and no statistical difference was observed in CD control (RR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.87, 14 participants, very low certainty of evidence). The most frequent AE associated with pasireotide was hyperglycemia, dizziness and nausea with cabergoline and metyrapone, and elevated transaminases with ketoconazole. CONCLUSION The superiority of one drug over another could not be determined due to lack of controlled studies, but the proportion of disease control identified in our meta-analysis may support clinical decision. New therapeutic options should be investigated due to the limited efficacy and tolerability of the currently available medical treatment for patients with Cushing's disease. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020205567, identifier CRD42020205567.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Simões Corrêa Galendi
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute of Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Michelle Demetres
- Samuel J. Wood Library & C.V. Starr Biomedical Information Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cesar Luiz Boguszewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Division (SEMPR), Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Vania dos Santos Nunes Nogueira
- Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Vania dos Santos Nunes Nogueira,
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Abstract
Dopamine agonist therapy is the primary therapy for prolactin-secreting adenomas and usually results in normoprolactinemia, eugonadism, and tumor reduction. Cabergoline is superior to bromocriptine with regard to efficacy and tolerance. Withdrawal of cabergoline can be attempted in patients with normal prolactin levels on low doses of medication and evidence of radiographic tumor involution. Dopamine agonists have been used off label in patients with acromegaly, Cushing disease, and nonfunctioning adenomas. A trial of cabergoline monotherapy can be effective in patients with biochemically mild acromegaly. Cabergoline combination with somatostatin receptor ligands or pegvisomant improves insulin-like growth factor level 1 in majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Giraldi
- Department of Medicine: Endocrinology and Metabolism, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Adriana G Ioachimescu
- Department of Medicine: Endocrinology and Metabolism, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Albani A, Theodoropoulou M. Persistent Cushing's Disease after Transsphenoidal Surgery: Challenges and Solutions. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 129:208-215. [PMID: 32838436 DOI: 10.1055/a-1220-6056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Transsphenoidal surgery remains the primary treatment for Cushing's disease (CD). However, despite the vast improvements in pituitary surgery, successful treatment of CD remains a great challenge. Although selective transsphenoidal removal of the pituitary tumor is a safe and effective procedure, the disease persists in around 22% of CD patients due to incomplete tumor resection. The persistence of hypercortisolism after pituitary surgery may also be the consequence of a misdiagnosis, as can occur in case of ectopic ACTH secretion or pseudo-Cushing. Considering the elevated mortality and morbidity characterizing the disease, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to minimize potential pitfalls occurring during the diagnosis, avoid surgical failure and provide the best care in those patients who have undergone unsuccessful surgery. In this review, we analyze the factors that could predict remission or persistence of CD after pituitary surgery and revise the therapeutic options in case of surgical failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Albani
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Solari D, Pivonello R, Caggiano C, Guadagno E, Chiaramonte C, Miccoli G, Cavallo LM, Del Basso De Caro M, Colao A, Cappabianca P. Pituitary Adenomas: What Are the Key Features? What Are the Current Treatments? Where Is the Future Taking Us? World Neurosurg 2020; 127:695-709. [PMID: 31266132 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary tumors are a heterogeneous group of lesions (usually benign) and proper understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the hypothalamic/pituitary region is essential to make an accurate diagnosis and define the essential treatment options (i.e., surgery, medical therapies, and radiotherapy, alone or in combination). Surgery is the primary treatment for acromegaly, Cushing disease, thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting adenomas, resistant prolactinomas, and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas causing mass effect. Medical and radiation therapy are reserved in cases in which surgery is not possible or does not provide a complete cure. In the last decades, tremendous innovations (i.e., targeted drugs and refined surgical tools and techniques) have expanded the treatment strategies for pituitary adenomas. We herein report the current indications for and depiction of the surgical techniques in pituitary surgery, review current medical treatments, and provide a glimpse of future possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Solari
- Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Division of Endocrinology, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Caggiano
- Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Elia Guadagno
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pathology, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Chiaramonte
- Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Miccoli
- Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi M Cavallo
- Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marialaura Del Basso De Caro
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pathology, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Division of Endocrinology, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Cappabianca
- Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Thakkar K, Lila A, Sarathi V, Ramteke-Jadhav S, Goroshi M, Memon SS, Krishnatry R, Gupta T, Jalali R, Goel A, Shah A, Sankhe S, Patil V, Bandgar T, Shah NS. Cabergoline may act as a radioprotective agent in Cushing's disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2020; 92:55-62. [PMID: 31698511 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CRT) achieves control of pathological hypercortisolism in 75%-80% of patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease (CD), over a mean period of 18-24 months. Medical therapy is recommended as bridge therapy while awaiting RT effect. OBJECTIVE To determine long-term outcome of CRT and its predictors in CD patients. DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS This is a retrospective case record analysis of 42 patients with CD who received CRT as a treatment modality and had at least 12 months post-RT follow-up. The dose delivered was 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Demographic details, hormonal evaluation and radiological data were extracted from case records. Dexamethasone suppressed cortisol at cut-off of 1.8 µg/dL was used to define remission or recurrence. Possible predictors for remission and recurrence were analysed. RESULTS The mean age at the time of CRT administration was 23.7 ± 10.7 (range: 12-48) years. A total of 29 (69%) patients achieved remission 26.5 ± 28.5 (median: 18, range: 3-120) months after RT, while 13 (31%) patients had persistent disease at last follow-up. There were no significant predictors of disease remission after CRT. Six (20.7%) patients had recurrence after a documented initial remission. Recurrence occurred 66.6 ± 25.9 (median: 74; range: 18 to 90) months after documented remission. Recurrence of the disease was exclusively seen in patients who received peri-RT cabergoline. Peri-CRT use of cabergoline was significantly associated with increased recurrence rates (P = .016). CONCLUSION Use of cabergoline in the peri-CRT period did not affect initial remission after CRT but was associated with increased recurrence after initial remission in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Thakkar
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Anurag Lila
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Vijaya Sarathi
- Department of Endocrinology, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, India
| | - Swati Ramteke-Jadhav
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Manjunath Goroshi
- Department of Endocrinology, JN Medical College and KLES Hospital, Belgaum, India
| | - Saba Samad Memon
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul Krishnatry
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Tejpal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Rakesh Jalali
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, India
| | - Atul Goel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhidha Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Shilpa Sankhe
- Department of Radiology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Virendra Patil
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Tushar Bandgar
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Nalini S Shah
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
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Pivonello R, Ferrigno R, De Martino MC, Simeoli C, Di Paola N, Pivonello C, Barba L, Negri M, De Angelis C, Colao A. Medical Treatment of Cushing's Disease: An Overview of the Current and Recent Clinical Trials. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:648. [PMID: 33363514 PMCID: PMC7753248 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is a serious endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hypercortisolism, or Cushing's syndrome (CS), caused by a corticotroph pituitary tumor, which induces an excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and consequently cortisol secretion. CD presents a severe clinical burden, with impairment of the quality of life and increase in mortality. Pituitary surgery represents the first-line therapy, but it is non-curative in one third of patients, requiring additional treatments. Among second-line treatments, medical therapy is gradually gaining importance, although the current medical treatments are unable to reach optimal efficacy and safety profile. Therefore, new drugs and new formulations of presently available drugs are currently under clinical investigation in international clinical trials, in order to assess their efficacy and safety in CD, or in the general population of CS. Among pituitary-directed agents, pasireotide, in the twice-daily subcutaneous formulation, has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment both in clinical trials and in real-world studies, and extension studies of the phase II and III clinical trials reported evidence of long-term efficacy with general good safety profile, although associated with frequent hyperglycemia, which requires monitoring of glucose metabolism. Moreover, the most recent once-monthly intramuscular formulation, pasireotide long-acting release (LAR), showed similar efficacy and safety, but associated with potential better compliance profile in CD. Roscovitine is an experimental drug currently under investigation. Among adrenal-directed agents, metyrapone is the only historical agent currently under investigation in a prospective, multicenter, international clinical trial, that would likely clarify its efficacy and safety in a large population of patients with CS. Osilodrostat, a novel agent with a mechanism of action similar to metyrapone, seems to offer a rapid, sustained, and effective disease control of CD, according to recently completed clinical trials, whereas levoketoconazole, a different chemical formulation of the historical agent ketoconazole, is still under investigation in clinical trials, with preliminary evidences showing an effective and safe control of CS. ATR-101 is an experimental drug currently under investigation. Among glucocorticoid receptor-directed drugs, mifepristone has been demonstrated to improve clinical syndrome and comorbidities, especially hypertension and impairment of glucose metabolism, but the occurrence of hypokalemia and in women uterine disorders, due to the concomitant action on progestin receptor, requires caution, whereas the preliminary evidence on relacorilant, characterized by high selectivity for glucocorticoid receptor, suggested good efficacy in the control of hypertension and impairment of glucose metabolism, as well as a good safety profile, in CS. Finally, a limited experience has demonstrated that combination therapy might be an interesting approach in the management of CD. The current review provides a summary of the available evidences from current and recent clinical trials on CD, with a specific focus on preliminary data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Ferrigno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina De Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Paola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Livia Barba
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Negri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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11
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Lin S, Zhang A, Zhang X, Wu ZB. Treatment of Pituitary and Other Tumours with Cabergoline: New Mechanisms and Potential Broader Applications. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:477-488. [PMID: 31597135 DOI: 10.1159/000504000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that has been used as the first-line treatment option for prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas for several decades. It not only suppresses hormone production from these prolactinomas, but also causes tumour shrinkage. Recent studies revealed some novel mechanisms by which cabergoline suppresses tumour cell proliferation and induces cell death. In this article, we review the most recent findings in cabergoline studies, focusing on its anti-tumour function. These studies suggest the potential broader clinical use of cabergoline in the treatment of other tumours such as breast cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, and lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojian Lin
- Center of Pituitary Tumour, Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anke Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhe Bao Wu
- Center of Pituitary Tumour, Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,
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12
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Feelders RA, Newell-Price J, Pivonello R, Nieman LK, Hofland LJ, Lacroix A. Advances in the medical treatment of Cushing's syndrome. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2019; 7:300-312. [PMID: 30033041 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(18)30155-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome is associated with multisystem morbidity and, when suboptimally treated, increased mortality. Medical therapy is an option for patients if surgery is not successful and can be classified into pituitary-directed drugs, steroid synthesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. In the last decade there have been new developments in each drug category. Targeting dopamine and somatostatin receptors on corticotroph adenomas with cabergoline or pasireotide, or both, controls cortisol production in up to 40% of patients. Potential new targets in corticotroph adenomas include the epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclin-dependent kinases, and heat shock protein 90. Osilodrostat and levoketoconazole are new inhibitors of steroidogenesis and are currently being evaluated in multicentre trials. CORT125134 is a new selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist under investigation. We summarise the drug therapies for various forms of Cushing's syndrome and focus on emerging drugs and drug targets that have the potential for new and effective tailor-made pharmacotherapy for patients with Cushing's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Feelders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - John Newell-Price
- Academic Unit of Endocrinology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lynnette K Nieman
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andre Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Centre, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Sickler T, Trarbach EB, Frassetto FP, Dettoni JB, Alves VAF, Fragoso MCBV, Machado MC, Cardoso EF, Bronstein MD, Glezer A. Filamin A and DRD2 expression in corticotrophinomas. Pituitary 2019; 22:163-169. [PMID: 30799513 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-019-00947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Filamin A (FLNA) expression is related to dopamine receptor type 2 (DRD2) expression in prolactinomas. Nevertheless, in corticotrophinomas, there are few studies about DRD2 expression and no data on FLNA. Therefore, we evaluated FLNA and DRD2 expression in corticotrophinomas and their association with tumor characteristics. METHODS DRD2 and FLNA expression by immunohistochemistry, using H-score, based on the percentage of positive cells in a continuous scale of 0-300, were evaluated in 23 corticotrophinomas samples from patients submitted to neurosurgery. In six patients, treatment with cabergoline was indicated after non curative surgery. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were female and one male. Regarding tumor size, 10 were micro and 12 were macroadenomas. DRD2 expression was found in 89% of cases and did not correlate with FLNA expression. Moreover, the response to cabergoline, observed in 33% of the cases, did not correlate with DRD2 nor FLNA expression. FLNA expression was not associated with clinical and tumor characteristics, except for sphenoid sinus invasion. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort of corticotrophinomas, DRD2 expression was not associated with FLNA expression nor to the response to CAB. Nonetheless, FLNA expression could be related to tumor invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Sickler
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ericka Barbosa Trarbach
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pereira Frassetto
- Pathology Unit, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Pathology, LIM-14, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Venâncio Avancini Ferreira Alves
- Pathology Unit, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Pathology, LIM-14, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Candida Barisson Villares Fragoso
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio Carlos Machado
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Endocrinology Service, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marcello Delano Bronstein
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea Glezer
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas & Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, no 155, 8° andar, bloco 3 (Endocrinologia), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
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Palui R, Sahoo J, Kamalanathan S, Kar SS, Selvarajan S, Durgia H. Effect of cabergoline monotherapy in Cushing's disease: an individual participant data meta-analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1445-1455. [PMID: 30097903 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0936-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The primary treatment of choice for Cushing's disease (CD) is the removal of the pituitary adenoma by transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). The surgical failure is seen in up to 75% of cases depending on the experience of the surgeon in different studies. Medical therapy is one of the options for the treatment of recurrent or persistent CD. METHODOLOGY The primary outcome of this meta-analysis was to find the proportion of patients achieving normalisation of 24-h urinary free cortisol (remission of CD) following cabergoline monotherapy. Literature search was conducted in January 2018 in PubMed/MEDLINE database from its date of inception to 31st December 2017. The search strategy used was "[(cushing) OR Cushing's] AND cabergoline". Individual participant data were extracted from the included studies and risk of bias was analysed by review checklist proposed by MOOSE. RESULTS The individual participant data of 124 patients from six observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. 92 patients (74.2%) had past pituitary surgery. The proportion of patients achieving remission of Cushing’s disease (CD) with cabergoline monotherapy was 34% (95% confidence interval 0.26–0.43; P = 0.001) [corrected]. The previous surgery [odds ratio (OR) 28.4], duration of cabergoline monotherapy (OR 1.31) and maximum cabergoline dose (OR 0.19) were predictors for remission of CD. Mild and severe side effects were reported in 37.3% and 5.6% of patients, respectively, during cabergoline monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis shows that cabergoline monotherapy is a reasonable alternative for subjects with persistent or recurrent CD after TSS. It can also be used in CD patients either as a bridge therapy while waiting for surgery or in those unwilling for surgery or have contraindication to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Palui
- Department of Endocrinology, JIPMER, Fourth Floor, Superspecialty Block, Puducherry, 605006, India
| | - J Sahoo
- Department of Endocrinology, JIPMER, Fourth Floor, Superspecialty Block, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - S Kamalanathan
- Department of Endocrinology, JIPMER, Fourth Floor, Superspecialty Block, Puducherry, 605006, India
| | - S S Kar
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, JIPMER, Puducherry, India
| | - S Selvarajan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India
| | - H Durgia
- Department of Endocrinology, JIPMER, Fourth Floor, Superspecialty Block, Puducherry, 605006, India
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15
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Lin AL, Jonsson P, Tabar V, Yang TJ, Cuaron J, Beal K, Cohen M, Postow M, Rosenblum M, Shia J, DeAngelis LM, Taylor BS, Young RJ, Geer EB. Marked Response of a Hypermutated ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Carcinoma to Ipilimumab and Nivolumab. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:3925-3930. [PMID: 30085142 PMCID: PMC6456994 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pituitary carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and few effective treatment options. CASE A 35-year-old woman presented with an aggressive ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma that initially responded to concurrent temozolomide and capecitabine prior to metastasizing to the liver. Following treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab, the tumor volume of the dominant liver metastasis reduced by 92%, and the recurrent intracranial disease regressed by 59%. Simultaneously, her plasma ACTH level decreased from 45,550 pg/mL to 66 pg/mL. MOLECULAR EVALUATION Both prospective clinical sequencing with Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets and retrospective whole-exome sequencing were performed to characterize the molecular alterations in the chemotherapy-naive pituitary adenoma and the temozolomide-resistant liver metastasis. The liver metastasis harbored a somatic mutational burden consistent with alkylator-induced hypermutation that was absent from the treatment-naive tumor. Resistance to temozolomide treatment, acquisition of new oncogenic drivers, and subsequent sensitivity to immunotherapy may be attributed to hypermutation. CONCLUSION Combination treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab may be an effective treatment in pituitary carcinoma. Clinical sequencing of pituitary tumors that have relapsed following treatment with conventional chemotherapy may identify the development of therapy-induced somatic hypermutation, which may be associated with treatment response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Lin
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Andrew L. Lin, MD, and Eliza B. Geer, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065. E-mail: ;
| | - Philip Jonsson
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Viviane Tabar
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - T Jonathan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - John Cuaron
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Beal
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Cohen
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael Postow
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Rosenblum
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jinru Shia
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lisa M DeAngelis
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Robert J Young
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Endocrinology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Crock PA, Lüdecke DK, Knappe UJ, Saeger W. A personal series of 100 children operated for Cushing's disease (CD): optimizing minimally invasive diagnosis and transnasal surgery to achieve nearly 100% remission including reoperations. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2018; 31:1023-1031. [PMID: 30098286 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2018-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Transnasal surgery (TNS) is the first choice in the treatment of pediatric Cushing's disease. The question is how can high remission rates be achieved with minimally invasive investigations and TNS whilst avoiding radiotherapy or bilateral adrenalectomy in children. Methods Data from a published series 1 (n=55) of surgeon DKL will be compared with his recent series 2 (n=45) until 2009. All patients were operated by direct transnasal microsurgery. Over time, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) was replaced by cavernous sinus sampling (CSS), restricted to unclear cases without increase of salivary cortisol in corticotropin-releasing hormone-test, difficult sellar anatomy or negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multiple direct intra-operative micro-cytology, micro-doppler and adequate visualization techniques are described. Results In series 1, IPSS was performed in 13 (24%) of whom 46% had false adenoma lateralization. All adenomas could be removed with extensive pituitary exploration. Three patients had early successful re-surgery. In series 2, with more refined MRI and endocrinology, CSS was used in only seven patients (15%) and all micro-adenomas were correctly localized. In three of four patients with persistent cortisol excess, repeat-TNS was necessary and successful. Side effects of TNS were minimal. Recurrence rates were 16% and 11% in series 1 and 2, respectively. Only four of 100 children with invasive adenomas were irradiated, significantly less than in other experienced pediatric centers. Conclusions Thus, 98% remission rate could be achieved with fewer invasive pre-surgical investigations, such as central catheter studies, refined TNS and early repeat-TNS. Repeat-TNS in recurrences minimized the need for irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Crock
- Department Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Hunter Region Mail Centre, Newcastle, NSW 2310, Australia.,PRC GrowUpWell®, Hunter Medical Research Institute and Department Paediatrics, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, Phone: +61249855634, Fax: +61249213599
| | - Dieter K Lüdecke
- Retired Emeritus Pituitary Surgeon, Department Neurosurgery, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich J Knappe
- Department Neurosurgery, Johannes Wesling Klinikum, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Saeger
- Department of Neuropathology, Pituitary Pathologist, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cushing's disease is a rare systemic and disabling disease due to oversecretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) resulting in excess cortisol levels. Diagnosis and treatment are difficult; despite the availability of various pharmaceutical treatment options, there is an ongoing, unmet need for even more effective treatment. AREAS COVERED The present review aims at providing an overview of available drugs and presenting new developments. Focusing on the pituitary as a target, the review covers compounds targeting pituitary cell signaling or cell cycle control such as heat shock protein inhibitors (e.g. silibinin), histone deacetylase inhibitors (trichostatin A, vorinostat), kinase inhibitors (gefitinib, seliciclib), and others (such as triptolide, AT-101). Levoketoconazole and osilodrostat are in clinical testing and inhibit steroidogenesis. Blockade of ACTH receptor binding at the adrenal level is explained as a theoretical drug target. Inhibition of binding of the glucocorticoid receptor in the peripheral tissue plays a minor role due to its lack of biomonitoring options. EXPERT OPINION In our opinion, further research and drug development of pituitary-directed targets are necessary. Combination therapies may exert synergistic effects and allow for smaller and better tolerated doses, but more experience and data are needed to guide such treatment schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvère Störmann
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV , Klinikum der Universität München , München , Germany
| | - Jochen Schopohl
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV , Klinikum der Universität München , München , Germany
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Cooper O, Greenman Y. Dopamine Agonists for Pituitary Adenomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:469. [PMID: 30186234 PMCID: PMC6110840 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine agonists (DA) are well established as first-line therapy for prolactinomas. These tumors express high levels of dopamine 2 receptors (D2R), leading to the strong efficacy of DA in reducing tumor size and hormonal secretion. Other pituitary tumor subtypes express D2R to varying degrees, leading to an extensive body of research into potential off-label use of DA in non-prolactinoma pituitary tumors. Preclinical models of Cushing's disease, acromegaly, and nonfunctioning pituitary tumors (NFPT) demonstrate D2R expression in cell lines and cultured tumors as well as effectiveness of DA in reducing hormonal secretion in functioning tumors and arresting tumor proliferation. Clinical studies have shown some efficacy of DA in treatment of these tumors. In Cushing's disease, DA therapy results in normalization of urinary cortisol levels in approximately 25% of patients, but reported rates of tumor shrinkage are very low; in acromegaly, DA therapy leads to normalization of insulin-like growth factor I and tumor shrinkage in approximately one-third of patients, and improved responses when used in combination with somatostatin receptor ligands. Among patients with NFPT, pooled results show 30% experience reduction of tumor size and 58% show stabilization of disease. DA therapy appears to have some clinical benefit in patients with non-prolactinoma pituitary tumors, and may be an option for medical therapy in some clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odelia Cooper
- Pituitary Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Odelia Cooper
| | - Yona Greenman
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Barbot M, Ceccato F, Scaroni C. Diabetes Mellitus Secondary to Cushing's Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:284. [PMID: 29915558 PMCID: PMC5994748 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Associated with important comorbidities that significantly reduce patients' overall wellbeing and life expectancy, Cushing's disease (CD) is the most common cause of endogenous hypercortisolism. Glucocorticoid excess can lead to diabetes, and although its prevalence is probably underestimated, up to 50% of patients with CD have varying degrees of altered glucose metabolism. Fasting glycemia may nevertheless be normal in some patients in whom glucocorticoid excess leads primarily to higher postprandial glucose levels. An oral glucose tolerance test should thus be performed in all CD patients to identify glucose metabolism abnormalities. Since diabetes mellitus (DM) is a consequence of cortisol excess, treating CD also serves to alleviate impaired glucose metabolism. Although transsphenoidal pituitary surgery remains the first-line treatment for CD, it is not always effective and other treatment strategies may be necessary. This work examines the main features of DM secondary to CD and focuses on antidiabetic drugs and how cortisol-lowering medication affects glucose metabolism.
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Langlois F, Chu J, Fleseriu M. Pituitary-Directed Therapies for Cushing's Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:164. [PMID: 29765354 PMCID: PMC5938400 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is caused by a pituitary corticotroph neuroendocrine tumor inducing uncontrolled hypercortisolism. Transsphenoidal surgery is the first-line treatment in most cases. Nonetheless, some patients will not achieve cure even in expert hands, others may not be surgical candidates and a significant percentage will experience recurrence. Many patients will thus require medical therapy to achieve disease control. Pharmacologic options to treat CD have increased in recent years, with an explosion in knowledge related to pathophysiology at the molecular level. In this review, we focus on medications targeting specifically pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting tumors. The only medication in this group approved for the treatment of CD is pasireotide, a somatostatin receptor ligand. Cabergoline and temozolomide may also be used in select cases. Previously studied and abandoned medical options are briefly discussed, and emphasis is made on upcoming medications. Mechanism of action and available data on efficacy and safety of cell cycle inhibitor roscovitine, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib, retinoic acid, and silibinin, a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Langlois
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer Chu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria Fleseriu,
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Attanasio R, Cortesi L, Gianola D, Vettori C, Sileo F, Trevisan R. Efficacy of pasireotide in controlling severe hypercortisolism until cardiac transplantation. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2017; 2017:EDM160140. [PMID: 28458898 PMCID: PMC5404471 DOI: 10.1530/edm-16-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary Cushing’s syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although surgery is the first-line treatment, drugs can still play a role as an ancillary treatment to be employed while waiting for surgery, after unsuccessful operation or in patients unsuitable for surgery. We were asked to evaluate a 32-year-old male waiting for cardiac transplantation. Idiopathic hypokinetic cardiomyopathy had been diagnosed since 6 years. He was on treatment with multiple drugs, had a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter and an external device for the support of systolic function. Physical examination showed severely impaired general status, signs of hypercortisolism and multiple vertebral compression fractures. We administered teriparatide, and the few evaluable parameters supported the diagnosis of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism: serum cortisol was 24.2 µg/dL in the morning and 20.3 µg/dL after overnight 1 mg dexamethasone, urinary free cortisol (UFC) was 258 µg/24 h and ACTH 125 pg/mL. Pituitary CT was negative. Pasireotide 300 µg bid was administered and uptitrated to 600 µg bid. Treatment was well tolerated, achieving dramatic improvement of clinical picture with progressive normalization of serum cortisol and ACTH levels as well as UFC. After 4 months, the patient underwent successful heart transplantation. Many complications ensued and were overcome. Pituitary MRI was negative. On pasireotide 300 µg bid and prednisone 2.5 mg/day (as part of immunosuppressive therapy), morning serum cortisol and ACTH were 15.6 µg/dL and 54 pg/mL respectively, UFC was 37 µg/24 h, fasting glucose: 107 mg/dL and HbA1c: 6.5%. In conclusion, primary treatment with pasireotide achieved remission of hypercortisolism, thus allowing the patient to undergo heart transplantation. Learning points:
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Attanasio
- Endocrinology Service, Galeazzi Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Endocrinology and Diabetology
| | - Liana Cortesi
- Endocrinology Service, Galeazzi Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Gianola
- Endocrinology Service, Galeazzi Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Sileo
- Endocrinology Service, Galeazzi Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Pivonello R, De Martino MC, De Leo M, Simeoli C, Colao A. Cushing's disease: the burden of illness. Endocrine 2017; 56:10-18. [PMID: 27189147 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-0984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels. The most common form of endogenous Cushing's syndrome is Cushing's disease, which results from an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary tumour. Cushing's disease is associated with increased mortality, mostly attributable to cardiovascular complications, and a host of comorbidities such as metabolic and skeletal disorders, infections and neuropsychiatric disturbances. As a consequence, Cushing's disease substantially impairs health-related quality of life. It is crucial that the condition is diagnosed as early as possible, and that rapid and effective treatment is initiated in order to limit long-term morbidity and mortality. The initial treatment of choice for Cushing's disease is selective transsphenoidal pituitary surgery; however, the risk of recurrence after initial surgery is high and remains so for many decades after surgery. A particular concern is the growing body of evidence indicating that the negative physical and psychosocial sequelae of chronic hypercortisolism may persist in patients with Cushing's disease even after long-term surgical 'cure'. Current treatment options for post-surgical patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease include second surgery, radiotherapy, bilateral adrenalectomy and medical therapy; however, each approach has its limitations and there is an unmet need for more efficacious treatments. The current review provides an overview of the burden of illness of Cushing's disease, underscoring the need for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, as well as highlighting the need for better therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina De Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica De Leo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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23
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Ferriere A, Cortet C, Chanson P, Delemer B, Caron P, Chabre O, Reznik Y, Bertherat J, Rohmer V, Briet C, Raingeard I, Castinetti F, Beckers A, Vroonen L, Maiter D, Cephise-Velayoudom FL, Nunes ML, Haissaguerre M, Tabarin A. Cabergoline for Cushing's disease: a large retrospective multicenter study. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:305-314. [PMID: 28007845 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The efficacy of cabergoline in Cushing's disease (CD) is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of cabergoline in a large contemporary cohort of patients with CD. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective multicenter study from thirteen French and Belgian university hospitals. METHODS Sixty-two patients with CD received cabergoline monotherapy or add-on therapy. Symptom score, biological markers of hypercortisolism and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS Twenty-one (40%) of 53 patients who received cabergoline monotherapy had normal urinary free cortisol (UFC) values within 12 months (complete responders), and five of these patients developed corticotropic insufficiency. The fall in UFC was associated with significant reductions in midnight cortisol and plasma ACTH, and with clinical improvement. Compared to other patients, complete responders had similar median baseline UFC (2.0 vs 2.5xULN) and plasma prolactin concentrations but received lower doses of cabergoline (1.5 vs 3.5 mg/week, P < 0.05). During long-term treatment (>12 months), cabergoline was withdrawn in 28% of complete responders because of treatment escape or intolerance. Overall, sustained control of hypercortisolism was obtained in 23% of patients for 32.5 months (19-105). Nine patients on steroidogenesis inhibitors received cabergoline add-on therapy for 19 months (1-240). Hypercortisolism was controlled in 56% of these patients during the first year of treatment with cabergoline at 1.0 mg/week (0.5-3.5). CONCLUSIONS About 20-25% of CD patients are good responders to cabergoline therapy allowing long-term control of hypercortisolism at relatively low dosages and with acceptable tolerability. No single parameter, including the baseline UFC and prolactin levels, predicted the response to cabergoline.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferriere
- CHU BordeauxHôpital Haut-Lévêque, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Pessac, France or INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - C Cortet
- CHRU LilleService d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Métabolisme, Lille Cedex, France
| | - P Chanson
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de ParisHôpitaux universitaires Paris-Sud, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - B Delemer
- CHU ReimsHôpital Robert Debré, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Reims, France
| | - P Caron
- CHU ToulouseHôpital Larrey, Service d'Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques et Nutrition, Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - O Chabre
- CHU Grenoble AlpesService d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie, Boulevard de la Chantourne, La Tronche, France
| | - Y Reznik
- CHU CaenService d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie, CAEN cedex 9, France
| | - J Bertherat
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de ParisHôpitaux universitaires Paris-Centre, Hôpital Cochin, Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies Métaboliques, Paris, France
| | - V Rohmer
- CHU AngersDépartement d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie-Nutrition, Angers Cedex 9, France
| | - C Briet
- CHU AngersDépartement d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie-Nutrition, Angers Cedex 9, France
| | - I Raingeard
- CHU MontpellierService d'Endocrinologie, Diabète, Maladies métaboliques, Montpellier, France
| | - F Castinetti
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de MarseilleHôpital de la Conception, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabètes et Maladies Métaboliques, Marseille, France
| | - A Beckers
- CHU LiègeService d'Endocrinologie, Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique
| | - L Vroonen
- CHU LiègeService d'Endocrinologie, Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique
| | - D Maiter
- Clinique Universitaire Saint LucService d'Endocrinologie et de Nutrition, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | | | - M L Nunes
- CHU BordeauxHôpital Haut-Lévêque, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Pessac, France or INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - M Haissaguerre
- CHU BordeauxHôpital Haut-Lévêque, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Pessac, France or INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - A Tabarin
- CHU BordeauxHôpital Haut-Lévêque, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Pessac, France or INSERM U862, Neurocentre Magendie, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
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Abstract
Severe Cushing's syndrome presents an acute emergency and is defined by massively elevated random serum cortisol [more than 36 μg/dL (1000 nmol/L)] at any time or a 24-h urinary free cortisol more than fourfold the upper limit of normal and/or severe hypokalaemia (<3.0 mmol/L), along with the recent onset of one or more of the following: sepsis, opportunistic infection, intractable hypokalaemia, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, glucocorticoid-induced acute psychosis, progressive debilitating myopathy, thromboembolism or uncontrolled hyperglycaemia and ketocacidosis. Treatment focuses on the management of the severe metabolic disturbances followed by rapid resolution of the hypercortisolaemia, and subsequent confirmation of the cause. Emergency lowering of the elevated serum cortisol is most rapidly achieved with oral metyrapone and/or ketoconazole; if parenteral therapy is required then intravenous etomidate is rapidly effective in almost all cases, but all measures require careful supervision. The optimal order and combination of drugs to treat severe hypercortisolaemia-mostly in the context of ectopic ACTH-secreting syndrome, adrenocortical carcinoma or an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (mainly macroadenomas)-is not yet established. Combination therapy may be useful not only to rapidly control cortisol excess but also to lower individual drug dosages and consequently the possibility of adverse effects. If medical treatments fail, bilateral adrenalectomy should be performed in the shortest possible time span to prevent the debilitating complications of uncontrolled hypercortisolaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia I Alexandraki
- Clinic of Endocrine Oncology, Department of Pathophysology, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK.
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25
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Ambrogio AG, Cavagnini F. Role of "old" pharmacological agents in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2016; 39:957-65. [PMID: 27086313 PMCID: PMC4987391 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-016-0462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the management of endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS), its treatment remains a challenge. When surgery has been unsuccessful or unfeasible as well in case of recurrence, the "old" pharmacological agents represent an important alternative for both ACTH-dependent and independent hypercortisolism. Especially in the latter, the advent of novel molecules directly targeting ACTH secretion has not outweighed the "old" drugs, which continue to be largely employed and have recently undergone a reappraisal. This review provides a survey of the "old" pharmacological agents in the treatment of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Ambrogio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - F Cavagnini
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
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26
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Mooney MA, Simon ED, Little AS. Advancing Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas through Targeted Molecular Therapies: The Acromegaly and Cushing Disease Paradigms. Front Surg 2016; 3:45. [PMID: 27517036 PMCID: PMC4963385 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2016.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current treatment of pituitary adenomas requires a balance of conservative management, surgical resection, and in select tumor types, molecular therapy. Acromegaly treatment is an evolving field where our understanding of molecular targets and drug therapies has improved treatment options for patients with excess growth hormone levels. We highlight the use of molecular therapies in this disease process and advances in this field, which may represent a paradigm shift for the future of pituitary adenoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Mooney
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center , Phoenix, AZ , USA
| | - Elias D Simon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center , Phoenix, AZ , USA
| | - Andrew S Little
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center , Phoenix, AZ , USA
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27
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Vilar L, Albuquerque JL, Lyra R, Trovão Diniz E, Rangel Filho F, Gadelha P, Thé AC, Ibiapina GR, Gomes BS, Santos V, Melo da Fonseca M, Frasão Viana K, Lopes IG, Araújo D, Naves L. The Role of Isotretinoin Therapy for Cushing's Disease: Results of a Prospective Study. Int J Endocrinol 2016; 2016:8173182. [PMID: 27034666 PMCID: PMC4789464 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8173182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. This prospective open trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). Methods. Sixteen patients with CD and persistent or recurrent hypercortisolism after transsphenoidal surgery were given isotretinoin orally for 6-12 months. The drug was started on 20 mg daily and the dosage was increased up to 80 mg daily if needed and tolerated. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 6-12 months. Results. Of the 16 subjects, 4% (25%) persisted with normal urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels at the end of the study. UFC reductions of up to 52.1% were found in the rest. Only patients with UFC levels below 2.5-fold of the upper limit of normal achieved sustained UFC normalization. Improvements of clinical and biochemical parameters were also noted mostly in responsive patients. Typical isotretinoin side-effects were experienced by 7 patients (43.7%), though they were mild and mostly transient. We also observed that the combination of isotretinoin with cabergoline, in relatively low doses, may occasionally be more effective than either drug alone. Conclusions. Isotretinoin may be an effective and safe therapy for some CD patients, particularly those with mild hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - José Luciano Albuquerque
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ruy Lyra
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Erik Trovão Diniz
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Frederico Rangel Filho
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gadelha
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Thé
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - George Robson Ibiapina
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Barbara Sales Gomes
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Vera Santos
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maíra Melo da Fonseca
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Karoline Frasão Viana
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Isis Gabriella Lopes
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Douglas Araújo
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luciana Naves
- Division of Endocrinology, Brasilia University Hospital, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
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28
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Alexandraki KI, Grossman AB. Current strategies for the treatment of severe Cushing's syndrome. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2016; 11:65-79. [PMID: 30063449 DOI: 10.1586/17446651.2016.1123615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Severe Cushing's syndrome may present an acute emergency in patients diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome with recent onset of at least one of the following: sepsis, opportunistic infection; intractable hypokalaemia, uncontrolled hypertension; heart failure; gastrointestinal hemorrhage; acute psychosis; progressive debilitating myopathy; thromboembolism; uncontrolled hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. The biochemical definition includes serum cortisol ≥41μg/dl (1100 nmol/l) and/or severe hypokalemia (<3.0 mmol/l) or urine free cortisol fivefold the upper limit of normal. Treatment focuses on the management of severe metabolic disturbances followed by rapid resolution of the hypercortisolemia and subsequent confirmation of the cause. We emphasize the control of the hypokalemia, hypertension, diabetes and any psychotic state, anti-coagulation, monitoring and vigorous therapy of opportunistic infections. The ideal first-line therapies include metyrapone and ketoconazole, followed by parenteral etomidate; if all else fails life-saving bilateral adrenalectomy should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia I Alexandraki
- a Clinic of Neuroendocrine Oncology, Department of Pathophysiology , National University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- b Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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29
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Pecori Giraldi F, Ambrogio AG. Variability in laboratory parameters used for management of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrine 2015; 50:580-9. [PMID: 26160393 PMCID: PMC4662716 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The progress in assay methodology, from the use of radioactive tracers to chemiluminescent signals, from competitive to chromatographic techniques and from serum or urine to saliva has considerably impacted on hormonal measurements. The clinician now may choose among multiple tests but the inherent variability in cortisol and ACTH secretion, coupled to lack of harmonization among assay procedures and normal ranges mandates careful interpretation of any result. The present review will examine factors which affect interpretation of cortisol and ACTH measurements and their impact on tests used for management of Cushing's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Milan, MI, Italy.
| | - Alberto G Ambrogio
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Milan, MI, Italy
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30
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Simeoli C, Auriemma RS, Tortora F, De Leo M, Iacuaniello D, Cozzolino A, De Martino MC, Pivonello C, Mainolfi CG, Rossi R, Cirillo S, Colao A, Pivonello R. The treatment with pasireotide in Cushing's disease: effects of long-term treatment on tumor mass in the experience of a single center. Endocrine 2015; 50:725-40. [PMID: 25743263 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0557-2] [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: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pasireotide is the first medical therapy officially approved for the treatment of adult patients with Cushing's disease (CD) who experienced a failure of pituitary surgery or are not candidates for surgery and require medical therapeutic intervention. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of long-term treatment with pasireotide (up to 24 months) on tumor mass in a group of patients with CD, participating to a phase III study. Fourteen CD patients entered the phase III clinical trial CSOM230B2305 at Naples Center, and eight (seven women, one man, aged 38.9 ± 17.6 years), including seven with a microadenoma and one with a macroadenoma, received treatment with pasireotide at the dose of 600-1200 µg bid for at least 6 months, and were considered for the analysis of the study. These eight patients were subjected to the evaluation of pituitary tumor volume by pituitary MRI, together with the evaluation of urinary cortisol levels, at baseline and every 6 months for the entire period of treatment. Pasireotide treatment induced full disease control in 37.5 % and partial disease control in 37.5 % after 6 months, whereas full and partial disease control after 12 months was obtained in 28.6 % and in 57.1 % of patients, respectively. A significant (>25 %) reduction in tumor volume was found in 62.5 % and in 100 % of patients, after 6 and 12 months, respectively. In particular, after 6 months, a slight tumor shrinkage (between 25.1 and 50 %) was observed in 25 %, moderate (50.1-75 %) in 25 %, and marked (>75 %) in 12.5 % of patients, whereas after 12 months, a slight tumor shrinkage was observed in 43 %, moderate in 14 %, and marked in 43 % of patients. In 25 % of patients (two patients), a marked tumor shrinkage was recorded, with tumor mass disappearance in one case; this tumor shrinkage was associated to rapid and sustained biochemical remission up to 24 months of continuous pasireotide treatment. These two cases represent the first cases with a documentation of such a notable effect of pasireotide on tumor mass. Pasireotide induces significant tumor shrinkage in 62.5 % of patients after 6 months and in 100 % of patients after 12 months, and occasionally induces a radiological disappearance of the tumor. This evidence supports and strengthens the role of pasireotide as medical treatment specifically addressed to patients with CD, particularly in those who had unsuccessful pituitary surgery, or are not candidates for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Tortora
- Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Division of Neurological Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica De Leo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Iacuaniello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Cozzolino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina De Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Rossi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sossio Cirillo
- Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Division of Neurological Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that incurs significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, due to glucocorticoid excess. It comprises adrenal (20%) and non-adrenal (80%) aetiologies. While the majority of cases are attributed to pituitary or ectopic corticotropin (ACTH) overproduction, primary cortisol-producing adrenal cortical lesions are increasingly recognised in the pathophysiology of Cushing's syndrome. Our understanding of this disease has progressed substantially over the past decade. Recently, important mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of adrenal hypercortisolism have been elucidated with the discovery of mutations in cyclic AMP signalling (PRKACA, PRKAR1A, GNAS, PDE11A, PDE8B), armadillo repeat containing 5 gene (ARMC5) a putative tumour suppressor gene, aberrant G-protein-coupled receptors, and intra-adrenal secretion of ACTH. Accurate subtyping of Cushing's syndrome is crucial for treatment decision-making and requires a complete integration of clinical, biochemical, imaging and pathology findings. Pathological correlates in the adrenal glands include hyperplasia, adenoma and carcinoma. While the most common presentation is diffuse adrenocortical hyperplasia secondary to excess ACTH production, this entity is usually treated with pituitary or ectopic tumour resection. Therefore, when confronted with adrenalectomy specimens in the setting of Cushing's syndrome, surgical pathologists are most commonly exposed to adrenocortical adenomas, carcinomas and primary macronodular or micronodular hyperplasia. This review provides an update on the rapidly evolving knowledge of adrenal Cushing's syndrome and discusses the clinicopathological correlations of this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Duan
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Gomez Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Pivonello R, De Leo M, Cozzolino A, Colao A. The Treatment of Cushing's Disease. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:385-486. [PMID: 26067718 PMCID: PMC4523083 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD), or pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome, is a severe endocrine disease caused by a corticotroph pituitary tumor and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The first-line treatment for CD is pituitary surgery, which is followed by disease remission in around 78% and relapse in around 13% of patients during the 10-year period after surgery, so that nearly one third of patients experience in the long-term a failure of surgery and require an additional second-line treatment. Patients with persistent or recurrent CD require additional treatments, including pituitary radiotherapy, adrenal surgery, and/or medical therapy. Pituitary radiotherapy is effective in controlling cortisol excess in a large percentage of patients, but it is associated with a considerable risk of hypopituitarism. Adrenal surgery is followed by a rapid and definitive control of cortisol excess in nearly all patients, but it induces adrenal insufficiency. Medical therapy has recently acquired a more important role compared to the past, due to the recent employment of novel compounds able to control cortisol secretion or action. Currently, medical therapy is used as a presurgical treatment, particularly for severe disease; or as postsurgical treatment, in cases of failure or incomplete surgical tumor resection; or as bridging therapy before, during, and after radiotherapy while waiting for disease control; or, in selected cases, as primary therapy, mainly when surgery is not an option. The adrenal-directed drug ketoconazole is the most commonly used drug, mainly because of its rapid action, whereas the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, mifepristone, is highly effective in controlling clinical comorbidities, mainly glucose intolerance, thus being a useful treatment for CD when it is associated with diabetes mellitus. Pituitary-directed drugs have the advantage of acting at the site responsible for CD, the pituitary tumor. Among this group of drugs, the dopamine agonist cabergoline and the somatostatin analog pasireotide result in disease remission in a consistent subgroup of patients with CD. Recently, pasireotide has been approved for the treatment of CD when surgery has failed or when surgery is not an option, and mifepristone has been approved for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome when associated with impairment of glucose metabolism in case of the lack of a surgical indication. Recent experience suggests that the combination of different drugs may be able to control cortisol excess in a great majority of patients with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Universita' Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica De Leo
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Universita' Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Cozzolino
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Universita' Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Universita' Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Molitch ME. Current approaches to the pharmacological management of Cushing's disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:185-9. [PMID: 25450859 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
If treatment of Cushing's disease (CD) by surgery is not successful, medical therapy is often required. Long-term use of metyrapone is limited by hirsutism and hypertension and escape because of increased ACTH levels. Although ketoconazole can normalize cortisol levels in 50%, liver toxicity limits its use. Mitotane, an adrenolytic agent, has had minimal use for benign disease. Etomidate is useful when rapid reduction in cortisol levels is needed. Cabergoline can normalize cortisol levels in CD in about one-third of patients and is well tolerated. Pasireotide can normalize cortisol levels in CD in about 25% but causes worsening of glucose tolerance in most patients. Mifepristone, a blocker of cortisol receptors, improves clinical aspects of CD in most patients but cortisol and ACTH measurements do not reflect clinical activity and adrenal insufficiency, hypokalemia, and endometrial hyperplasia can occur. Combinations of drugs can be tried in patients resistant to monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Molitch
- Martha Leland Sherwin Professor of Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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34
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Melnichenko GA, Dedov II, Belaya ZE, Rozhinskaya LY, Vagapova GR, Volkova NI, Grigor’ev AY, Grineva EN, Marova EI, Mkrtumayn AM, Trunin YY, Cherebillo VY. Cushing’s disease: the clinical features, diagnostics, differential diagnostics, and methods of treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.14341/probl201561255-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The present guidelines on diagnostics, differential diagnostics, and methods of treatment of Cushing’s disease have been developed by a group of Russian specialists.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been growing interest on medical therapy for the management of Cushing's disease (CD), particularly in cases of persistent or recurrent hypercortisolism. Ketoconazole, an inhibitor of adrenal steroidogenesis, is the most widely used drug, whereas cabergoline and pasireotide are the most promising centrally acting agents. The main purpose of this review article is to highlight the options of medical treatment for CD, with a special emphasis on combination therapies, a topic that has only been addressed by a limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of these studies, combination therapies involving medications with additive or synergistic effects on ACTH and cortisol secretion seem quite attractive as they yield higher probability of longterm control of the hypercortisolism at lower doses, a lower incidence of side-effects, and possibly a lower rate of treatment escapes. Currently, ketoconazole, cabergoline, and pasireotide are the best drugs to be prescribed in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, Rua Clovis Silveira Barros, 84/1202, Boa Vista, Recife, CEP 50.050-270, Brazil,
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36
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Abstract
This article provides an update on current medical therapies for the treatment of Cushing disease. This information will be of value in determining patients' suitability for certain medical treatments. An approach of combining drugs from the same or different classes could potentially increase the number of patients in whom Cushing can be controlled while minimizing adverse effects, although larger studies are needed. Successful clinical management of patients with Cushing disease remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code BTE 28, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code BTE 28, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Ceccato F, Barbot M, Zilio M, Albiger N, Mantero F, Scaroni C. Therapeutic strategies for Cushing’s syndrome: an update. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2014. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.991714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Duan K, Hernandez KG, Mete O. Clinicopathological correlates of adrenal Cushing's syndrome. J Clin Pathol 2014; 68:175-86. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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39
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Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is characterized by an ACTH-producing anterior corticotrope pituitary adenoma. If hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis physiology is disrupted, ACTH secretion increases, which in turn stimulates adrenocortical steroidogenesis and cortisol production. Medical treatment plays an important role for patients with persistent disease after surgery, for those in whom surgery is not feasible, or while awaiting effects of radiation. Multiple drugs, with different mechanisms of action and variable efficacy and tolerability for controlling the deleterious effects of chronic glucocorticoid excess, are available. The molecular basis and clinical data for centrally acting drugs, adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists are reviewed, as are potential novel molecules and future possible targets for CD treatment. Although progress has been made in the understanding of specific corticotrope adenoma receptor physiology and recent clinical studies have detected improved effects with a combined medical therapy approach, there is a clear need for a more efficacious and better-tolerated medical therapy for patients with CD. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in CD and of HPA axis physiology should advance the development of new drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cuevas-Ramos
- Department of MedicinePituitary Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USANeuroendocrinology ClinicDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, MexicoDepartments of Medicine and Neurological Surgeryand Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road (BTE 472), Portland, Oregon 97239, USA Department of MedicinePituitary Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USANeuroendocrinology ClinicDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, MexicoDepartments of Medicine and Neurological Surgeryand Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road (BTE 472), Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Department of MedicinePituitary Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USANeuroendocrinology ClinicDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, MexicoDepartments of Medicine and Neurological Surgeryand Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road (BTE 472), Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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40
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Barbot M, Albiger N, Ceccato F, Zilio M, Frigo AC, Denaro L, Mantero F, Scaroni C. Combination therapy for Cushing's disease: effectiveness of two schedules of treatment: should we start with cabergoline or ketoconazole? Pituitary 2014; 17:109-17. [PMID: 23468128 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-013-0475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Until now, no medical treatment has been shown to be totally satisfactory when administrated alone. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cabergoline with added ketoconazole and of the same combination in reverse, using urinary free cortisol (UFC) and late night salivary cortisol (LNSC) levels as biochemical markers of the treatments' efficacy in CD patients. A prospective analysis conducted on 14 patients (f/m = 12/2; median age 52, range 33-70 years) divided into two groups: 6 patients initially treated with cabergoline for 4-6 months (rising from 0.5-1 mg/week up to 3.0 mg/week), after which ketoconazole was added (group A); and 8 patients first took ketoconazole alone for 4-6 months (rising from 200 mg/day to 600 mg/day), then cabergoline was added (group B). Patients were compared with 14 age-matched patients in prolonged remission after effective neurosurgery for CD. The combination therapy led to UFC normalization in 79 % of patients with no differences between the groups; only one patient failed to respond at all. Neither drug succeeded in controlling the disease when taken alone. LNSC dropped when compared to baseline levels, but not to a significant degree (p = 0.06), and it remained significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.0006). Associating cabergoline with ketoconazole may represent an effective second-line treatment, achieving a satisfactory reduction in UFC levels and clinical improvement. Although the combined treatment lowered patients' LNSC levels, they remained higher than normal, indicating a persistent subclinical hypercortisolism; the implications of this condition need to be considered. No differences emerged between the two treatment schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padova, Italy,
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41
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Fleseriu M. Recent advances in the medical treatment of Cushing's disease. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2014; 6:18. [PMID: 24669299 PMCID: PMC3944746 DOI: 10.12703/p6-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cushing’s disease is a condition of hypercortisolism caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. While rare, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which suggests that early and aggressive intervention is required. The primary, definitive therapy for patients with Cushing’s disease in the majority of patients is pituitary surgery, generally performed via a transsphenoidal approach. However, many patients will not achieve remission or they will have recurrences. The consequences of persistent hypercortisolism are severe and, as such, early identification of those patients at risk of treatment failure is exigent. Medical management of Cushing’s disease patients plays an important role in achieving long-term remission after failed transsphenoidal surgery, while awaiting effects of radiation or before surgery to decrease the hypercortisolemia and potentially reducing perioperative complications and improving outcome. Medical therapies include centrally acting agents, adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors and glucocorticoid receptor blockers. Furthermore, several new agents are in clinical trials. To normalize the devastating disease effects of hypercortisolemia, it is paramount that successful patient disease management includes individualized, multidisciplinary care, with close collaboration between endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and general surgeons. This commentary will focus on recent advances in the medical treatment of Cushing’s, with a focus on newly approved ACTH modulators and glucocorticoid receptor blockers.
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Gadelha MR, Vieira Neto L. Efficacy of medical treatment in Cushing's disease: a systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2014; 80:1-12. [PMID: 24118077 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reported rates of response to medical therapies used in Cushing's disease (CD) vary widely. The aim of this review is to analyse systematically the efficacy of medical therapies for CD and to assess the strength of the supporting evidence. METHODS Systematic PubMed searches identified studies of medical treatment in CD. The GRADE criteria were imposed to assess the strength of evidence supporting each medication. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included. Ten studies specifically reported response rates for patients with CD. Pasireotide was the only treatment to be assessed in a randomized trial and was supported by a 'moderate' level of evidence. Response rates with pasireotide from three prospective studies were 17-29%. The remaining medications were supported by a 'low' or 'very low' level of evidence. The highest response rates were reported in small retrospective studies of metyrapone (75%, one study) and mitotane (72%, one study). Response rates were 25-50% for cabergoline (four studies) and 45% for ketoconazole (one study). Among studies that included patients with other forms of Cushing's syndrome, response rates were 53-88% for ketoconazole (three studies), 70% for mitotane (one study), 57% for metyrapone (one study) and 38-60% for mifepristone. Again, all of these medications are supported by a 'low' level of evidence. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of high-quality studies of medical therapy in CD, with only one medication achieving a 'moderate' level of evidence. Caution should be employed when comparing efficacy rates owing to the variability in study design and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica R Gadelha
- Division of Endocrinology, Medical School and Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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43
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Güven A, Baltacıoğlu F, Dursun F, Cebeci AN, Kırmızıbekmez H. Remission with cabergoline in adolescent boys with Cushing's disease. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2013; 5:194-8. [PMID: 24072089 PMCID: PMC3814535 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist used for treatment of patients with uncured Cushing's disease (CD) and, as a first-line treatment, was used in only limited numbers of patients. This report presents two adolescent boys with CD who were treated with cabergoline. Two adolescent boys with clinical and laboratory findings of CD are presented. No pituitary adenoma was detected by radiological investigation in either patient. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) hypersecretion and lateralization was found by inferior petrosal sinus sampling in both patients. The initial cabergoline dose was 1mg/week and was adjusted up to 1.5 mg/week in the second patient, based on his urinary free cortisol (UFC) level. The patients responded to cabergoline treatment with normal UFC levels on the 4th and 6th months of treatment. The boys reached complete remission at the end of the 17th and 24th months, respectively. Cabergoline is effective in the control of cortisol secretion and can be considered as a first-line treatment in cases of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Güven
- Göztepe Education and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey. E-mail:
| | - Feyyaz Baltacıoğlu
- Marmara University, Medical Faculty, Department of Radiology , İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Dursun
- Göztepe Education and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Nurcan Cebeci
- Göztepe Education and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Heves Kırmızıbekmez
- Göztepe Education and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
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44
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Fleseriu M, Petersenn S. New avenues in the medical treatment of Cushing's disease: corticotroph tumor targeted therapy. J Neurooncol 2013; 114:1-11. [PMID: 23673515 PMCID: PMC3724972 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-013-1151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is a condition of chronic hypercortisolism caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. First-line transsphenoidal surgery is not always curative and disease sometimes recurs. Radiotherapy often requires months or years to be effective, and is also not curative in many cases. Consequently, effective medical therapies for patients with CD are needed. Corticotroph adenomas frequently express both dopamine (D2) and somatostatin receptors (predominantly sstr5). Pasireotide, a somatostatin analog with high sstr5 binding affinity, has shown urinary free cortisol (UFC) reductions in most patients with CD in a large phase 3 trial, with UFC normalization and tumor shrinkage in a subset of patients. Adverse events were similar to other somatostatin analogs, with the exception of the degree and severity of hyperglycemia. Two small trials (one prospective and one retrospective) have suggested that cabergoline, a D2 receptor agonist, could be effective in normalizing UFC, but current long-term data results are conflicting. Combination treatment with pasireotide plus cabergoline and the adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitor ketoconazole has been successful, but further investigation in larger trials is necessary. Retinoic acid also showed interesting results in a recent very small prospective study. Glucocorticoid receptor blockade with mifepristone has recently demonstrated improvement in signs and symptoms of Cushing's and glycemic control; however, this modality does not address the etiology of the disease and has inherent adverse events related to its mechanism of action. Pituitary-targeted medical therapies will soon play a more prominent role in treating CD, and may potentially become first-line medical therapy when surgery fails or is contraindicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine and Neurological Surgery, and Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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45
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Bertagna X, Guignat L. Approach to the Cushing's disease patient with persistent/recurrent hypercortisolism after pituitary surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:1307-18. [PMID: 23564942 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-3200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although it is the ideal treatment, pituitary surgery is not always successful, and success is not always lasting. Close surveillance, clinical and biological, will detect immediate failure or late recurrence. The reason must be thoroughly explored with the somewhat dogmatic rule that the patient should be offered the best surgery in expert hands, and a repeat surgical attempt must be systematically discussed. When repeat pituitary surgery is not indicated or has failed, then comes the difficult task to choose between a number of options directed toward different targets: directly suppress tumor ACTH by pituitary radiotherapy (conventional or stereotaxic) or with medications (somatostatin analog such as pasireotide, or dopaminergic drug such as cabergoline), directly suppress adrenocortical activity with medications (inhibitors of adrenal steroidogenesis such as ketoconazole or metyrapone, or the adrenolytic Lysodren), or by surgery (bilateral adrenalectomy), and finally oppose peripheral cortisol action with the antiglucocorticoid mifepristone. No single option is ideal, able to provide at the same time a high success rate and a rapid onset of action, to restore a normal pituitary adrenal axis, and to have good tolerability. Close follow-up and thorough evaluation of the cortisolic status will eventually dictate a switch in treatment options and/or combination strategies over time. The tumor status and its possible oncogenic threat, the severity of the hypercortisolism, and the patient perspectives (wish of fertility) are among the major parameters that can help a multidisciplinary approach toward the best option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bertagna
- Service des Maladies Endocriniennes et Me´ taboliques, Centre de Référence desMaladies Rares de la Surrénale, Hôpital Cochin, Faculté Paris Descartes, UniversitéParis 5, Paris 75014, France.
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46
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Moloney KJ, Mercado JU, Ludlam WH, Mayberg MR. Pasireotide (SOM230): a novel pituitary-targeted medical therapy for the treatment of patients with Cushing's disease. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2012; 7:491-502. [PMID: 30780888 DOI: 10.1586/eem.12.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare and debilitating condition resulting from extended exposure to excessive glucocorticoids caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. First-line treatment for most patients with CD is trans-sphenoidal adenomectomy. Postsurgical remission remains problematic; however, due to the difficulty of removing the tumor. Until recently, there were no approved medical treatments for Cushing's syndrome, but recent data on pasireotide (SOM230; a novel somatostatin analog) demonstrate restored hormone levels and improvements in quality of life, with a safety profile similar to that of other somatostatin analogs, except for incidence of hyperglycemia. Pasireotide represents an exciting, novel, pituitary-targeted medical therapy for patients with CD who are not surgical candidates, or for those who experience postsurgical recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley J Moloney
- a Seattle Pituitary Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- c Seattle Pituitary Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Jennifer U Mercado
- a Seattle Pituitary Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Marc R Mayberg
- a Seattle Pituitary Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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47
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Management Strategies for Aggressive Cushing's Syndrome: From Macroadenomas to Ectopics. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:685213. [PMID: 22934113 PMCID: PMC3425913 DOI: 10.1155/2012/685213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare but severe clinical condition represented by an excessive endogenous cortisol secretion and hence excess circulating free cortisol, characterized by loss of the normal feedback regulation and circadian rhythm of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis due to inappropriate secretion of ACTH from a pituitary tumor (Cushing's disease, CD) or an ectopic source (ectopic ACTH secretion, EAS). The remaining causes (20%) are ACTH independent. As soon as the diagnosis is established, the therapeutic goal is the removal of the tumor. Whenever surgery is not curative, management of patients with CS requires a major effort to control hypercortisolemia and associated symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach that includes endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, and radiotherapists should be adopted. This paper will focus on traditional and novel medical therapy for aggressive ACTH-dependent CS. Several drugs are able to reduce cortisol levels. Their mechanism of action involves blocking adrenal steroidogenesis (ketoconazole, metyrapone, aminoglutethimide, mitotane, etomidate) or inhibiting the peripheral action of cortisol through blocking its receptors (mifepristone “RU-486”). Other drugs include centrally acting agents (dopamine agonists, somatostatin receptor agonists, retinoic acid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ “PPAR-γ” ligands) and novel chemotherapeutic agents (temozolomide and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) which have a significant activity against aggressive pituitary or ectopic tumors.
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Colao A, Petersenn S, Newell-Price J, Findling JW, Gu F, Maldonado M, Schoenherr U, Mills D, Salgado LR, Biller BMK. A 12-month phase 3 study of pasireotide in Cushing's disease. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:914-24. [PMID: 22397653 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1105743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 384] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cushing's disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pasireotide, a potential therapy, has a unique, broad somatostatin-receptor-binding profile, with high binding affinity for somatostatin-receptor subtype 5. METHODS In this double-blind, phase 3 study, we randomly assigned 162 adults with Cushing's disease and a urinary free cortisol level of at least 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range to receive subcutaneous pasireotide at a dose of 600 μg (82 patients) or 900 μg (80 patients) twice daily. Patients with urinary free cortisol not exceeding 2 times the upper limit of the normal range and not exceeding the baseline level at month 3 continued to receive their randomly assigned dose; all others received an additional 300 μg twice daily. The primary end point was a urinary free cortisol level at or below the upper limit of the normal range at month 6 without an increased dose. Open-label treatment continued through month 12. RESULTS Twelve of the 82 patients in the 600-μg group and 21 of the 80 patients in the 900-μg group met the primary end point. The median urinary free cortisol level decreased by approximately 50% by month 2 and remained stable in both groups. A normal urinary free cortisol level was achieved more frequently in patients with baseline levels not exceeding 5 times the upper limit of the normal range than in patients with higher baseline levels. Serum and salivary cortisol and plasma corticotropin levels decreased, and clinical signs and symptoms of Cushing's disease diminished. Pasireotide was associated with hyperglycemia-related adverse events in 118 of 162 patients; other adverse events were similar to those associated with other somatostatin analogues. Despite declines in cortisol levels, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels increased soon after treatment initiation and then stabilized; treatment with a glucose-lowering medication was initiated in 74 of 162 patients. CONCLUSIONS The significant decrease in cortisol levels in patients with Cushing's disease who received pasireotide supports its potential use as a targeted treatment for corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas. (Funded by Novartis Pharma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00434148.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Colao
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Section of Endocrinology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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