Second-line treatment for Cushing's disease when initial pituitary surgery is unsuccessful.

[~MaryO~]

http://www.co-endocrinology.com/pt/re/coen...#33;8091!-1

 

August 2007, 14:4

Second-line treatment for Cushing's disease when initial pituitary surgery is unsuccessful.

 

Neuroendocrinology

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 14(4):323-328, August 2007.

Fleseriu, Maria a; Loriaux, D Lynn a; Ludlam, William H b

 

Abstract:

Purpose of review: Adenectomy via transsphenoidal surgery is considered the treatment of choice for Cushing's disease. It is successful in about 80% of patients in the hands of an experienced surgeon. When transsphenoidal surgery fails or is contraindicated, a second-line treatment must be chosen. The review focuses on second-line treatment options.

Recent findings: Repeat pituitary surgery results in the cure of Cushing's disease in about 50% of cases. Bilateral adrenalectomy results in resolution of hypercortisolemia in almost all patients, but leaves the patient glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficient. Nelson's syndrome, depending on the definition, occurs in up to 35% of these patients. Irradiation of the residual pituitary tumor typically takes several years before the full effect is realized; it can cause panhypopituitarism. Finally, pharmacologic treatment of persistent hypercortisolemia can be effective, but is often associated with untoward side effects. These side effects are a powerful deterrent to its use. Several new pharmacologic agents are being studied and show some promise.

 

Summary: Each of the second-line treatments for Cushing's disease currently available can be effective at treating hypercortisolism, but each has significant limitations. New pharmacologic agents may soon offer some very exciting treatment options.

 

© 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

[MCF]

I'd love to get my hands on the full text of this. I wonder if Antalarmin is one of the "exciting" drug treatments they're referring to? It should be on the market as an anti anxiety drug before long.

[diane177432]

Thanks Mary - I sure hope some new avenues are sought soon - it would be nice to have a vision of a Cushings free future!

 

Diane

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