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Published in: Pituitary 2/2018

01-04-2018

Management of NFAs: medical treatment

Authors: Naomi Even-Zohar, Yona Greenman

Published in: Pituitary | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Introduction

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are in general large tumors that present with symptoms secondary to local pressure on adjacent structures. Transsphenoidal surgery is the first line of treatment but residual tumor mass is often detected post-operatively. Medical therapy, in any stage of tumor management, is not well established.

Methods

A literature search was performed to review the available data on medical treatment of NFPAs.

Results

Medications investigated for the treatment of NFPAs include dopamine receptor agonists (DA) and somatostatin receptor ligands. Randomized controlled trials are lacking, but available data suggest that DA have a positive effect on tumor remnant stabilization after surgery and could be considered in this setting. Temozolomide is reserved for aggressive tumors, although future studies are required.

Conclusions

NFPA are often not amenable to complete surgical resection. Conservative follow-up after surgery is associated with a high prevalence of tumor remnant progression. DA therapy may prevent residual tumor enlargement in over 85% of these patients, with a substantial consequent reduction in the need for repeat surgery or radiation therapy. It is our view that DA treatment should be routinely considered for the management of NFPA patients with incompletely resected tumors.
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Metadata
Title
Management of NFAs: medical treatment
Authors
Naomi Even-Zohar
Yona Greenman
Publication date
01-04-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Pituitary / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1386-341X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7403
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-018-0865-7

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