Optimal management of non-functioning pituitary adenomas

Yona Greenman*, Naftali Stern

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transsphenoidal surgery is the treatment of choice for large non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and symptomatic patients. The therapeutic strategies for the management of NFPA after surgery, i.e., watchful waiting, irradiation, or medical therapy have not been compared by randomized controlled trials. Slow re-growth is common, but the natural history of untreated tumors is variable. Conservative follow-up is associated with progression rates of over 40 %. Radiation is highly effective in preventing residual tumor growth, but has serious long-term side effects. Finally, no medications are currently approved for the treatment of NFPA. In this review, we present our view of the optimal management of these tumors, which includes risk stratification for the identification of high-risk patients suitable for active intervention, leaving low-risk patients for careful monitoring.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51-55
Number of pages5
JournalEndocrine
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 Sep 2015

Keywords

  • Dopamine agonist
  • Management
  • Non-functioning
  • Pituitary adenoma
  • Radiation
  • Surgery

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