Acromegaly: surgical results in 548 patients

Ends of the spectrum best practices for early detection and multidisciplinary management of acromegaly

PURPOSE

Acromegaly is characterized by an insidious clinical presentation and delayed diagnosis. Longer delays are associated with more comorbidities which can persist after treatment of the growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GH-PA). Surgery is the primary therapy of GH-secreting PA, which can lead to durable remission. However, approximately 50% of patients require medical treatment postoperatively. Survival normalizes after achieving biochemical control. This mini-review will address ends of the spectrum challenges in acromegaly, including delayed diagnosis and management of the residual tumor and persistent comorbidities.

METHODS

We synthesize relevant literature and present a case of acromegaly that highlights the complexity of clinical decision-making in the diagnosis and treatment of persistent acromegaly.

RESULTS

Despite improved biochemical assays, most patients with acromegaly are diagnosed on average five years after initial symptoms. A high index of suspicion does not rely exclusively on acral enlargement, but also a constellation of manifestations and comorbidities suggestive of acromegaly. Medical therapy is required in patients with persistent biochemical disease. Somatostatin receptor ligands are the cornerstone of medical treatment and can be used alone or in combination with dopamine agonists and growth hormone receptor antagonists. Improved options of medical treatment and careful consideration of comorbidities enables individualized patient management. Reoperation and radiation are considered for tumor progression despite medical therapy. In rare cases of resistant and aggressive tumors, neuro-oncology expertise is required.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased awareness through education targeting the multifaceted clinical presentation of acromegaly shortens the time to diagnosis and treatment. Multidisciplinary management by specialists increases the likelihood of biochemical and tumor control.

Recurrence in acromegaly: two tertiary centers experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of acromegaly after successful surgery is a rare event, but no clear data are reported in the literature about its recurrence rates. This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rate in a series of acromegalic patients treated by transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with a long follow-up.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 283 acromegalic patients who underwent TSS at two pituitary units in Milan (Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital). The diagnosis and recurrence of acromegaly were defined by both elevated IGF-1 levels and a lack of GH suppression based on appropriate criteria for the assay used at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

After surgery, 143 patients (50%) were defined as not cured, 132 (47%) as cured and 8 (3%) as partially cured because of normalization of only one parameter, either IGF1 or GH. In the cured group, at the last follow-up (median time 86.8 months after surgery), only 1 patient (0.7%) showed full recurrence (IGF-1 + 5.61 SDS, GH nadir 1.27 µg/l), while 4 patients (3%) showed only increased IGF1. In the partially cured group at the last follow-up, 2/8 (25%) patients showed active acromegaly (IGF-1 SDS + 2.75 and + 3.62; GH nadir 0.6 and 0.5 µg/l, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In the literature, recurrence rates range widely, from 0 to 18%. In our series, recurrence occurred in 3.7% of patients, and in fewer than 1%, recurrence occurred with elevation of both IGF-1 and the GH nadir. More frequently (25%), recurrence came in the form of incomplete normalization of either IGF-1 or GH after surgery.

The changing landscape of acromegaly - an epidemiological perspective

Acromegaly is a rare disease and thus challenging to accurately quantify epidemiologically. In this comprehensive literature review, we compare different approaches to studying acromegaly from an epidemiological perspective and describe the temporal evolution of the disease pertaining to epidemiological variables, clinical presentation and mortality. We present updated epidemiological data from the population-based Danish cohort of patients with acromegaly (AcroDEN), along with meta-analyses of existing estimates from around the world.Based on this, we conclude that the incidence, prevalence and age at acromegaly diagnosis are all steadily increasing, but with considerable variation between studies. An increased number of incidental cases may contribute to the increase in incidence and age at diagnosis, respectively. The clinical features at presentation are trending toward a milder disease phenotype at diagnosis, and advances in therapeutic options have reduced the mortality of patients with acromegaly to a level similar to that of the general population. Moreover, the underlying cause of death has shifted from cardiovascular to malignant neoplastic diseases.

Medical treatment of functional pituitary adenomas, trials and tribulations

CONTEXT

Functioning pituitary adenomas (FPAs) include most frequently prolactinomas, somatotroph or corticotroph adenomas, while thyrotroph and gonadotroph adenomas are very rare. Despite their benign histological nature (aggressive tumors are rare and malignant ones exceptional), FPAs could cause significant morbidity and increased mortality due to complications associated with hormonal excess syndromes and/or mass effect leading to compression of adjacent structures. This mini review will focus on the increasing role of medical therapy in the multimodal treatment, which also includes transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and radiotherapy.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Most patients with prolactinomas are treated only with medications, but surgery could be considered for some patients in a specialized pituitary center, if higher chances of cure. Dopamine agonists, especially cabergoline, are efficient in reducing tumor size and normalizing prolactin. TSS is the first-line treatment for all other FPAs, but most patients require complex adjuvant treatment, including a combination of therapeutic approaches. Medical therapy is the cornerstone of treatment in all patients after unsuccessful surgery or when surgery cannot be offered and includes somatostatin receptor ligands and dopamine agonists (almost all FPAs), growth hormone receptor antagonists (acromegaly), adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors and glucocorticoid receptor blockers (Cushing's disease). Novel medical treatments, especially for acromegaly and Cushing's disease are under research.

CONCLUSIONS

An enlarged panel of effective drugs available with increased knowledge of predictive factors for response and/or adverse effects will enhance the possibility to offer a more individualized treatment. This would not only improve disease control and prognosis, but also quality of life.

Changes in acromegaly comorbidities, treatment, and outcome over three decades: a nationwide cohort study

Objective

To study the time-dependent changes in disease features of Danish patients with acromegaly, including treatment modalities, biochemical outcome, and comorbidities, with a particular focus on cancer and mortality.

Methods

Pertinent acromegaly-related variables were collected from 739 patients diagnosed since 1990. Data are presented across three decades (1990-1999, 2000-2009, and 2010-2021) based on the year of diagnosis or treatment initiation.

Results

Adenoma size and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels at diagnosis did not differ significantly between study periods. The risk of being diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, joint disease, and osteoporosis increased from the 1990s to the later decades, while the mortality risk declined to nearly half. The risk of cancer did not significantly change. Treatment changed toward the use of more medical therapy, and fewer patients underwent repeat surgeries or pituitary irradiation. A statistically significant increase in the proportion of patients achieving IGF-I normalization within 3-5 years was observed over time (69%, 83%, and 88%). The proportion of patients with three or more deficient pituitary hormones decreased significantly over time.

Conclusion

Modern medical treatment regimens of acromegaly as well as increased awareness and improved diagnostics for its comorbidities have led to better disease control, fewer patients with severe hypopituitarism, and declining mortality in the Danish cohort of acromegaly patients. The risk of cancer did not increase over the study period.

Gigantism: microsurgical treatment by transsphenoidal approach and prognostic factors

PURPOSE

We present the results of transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment in 14 patients with gigantism. The influence on the prognosis of factors such as the tumor size and preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 is also quantified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients, operated between 1982 and 2004, were reviewed retrospectively in June 2022. All patients had complete endocrinological studies in the preoperative period and a postoperative control between 6 days and 3 weeks. Follow-up has been supported with annual check-ups between 3 and 31 years. We have compared the preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 of these patients with the levels of a series of acromegalic patients operated on in the same Center.

RESULTS

In this series there were 4 women and 10 men. The age ranged between 14 and 21 years. In 6 patients, postoperative hormone levels achieved the disease control criteria (42.8%). The CT/MRI studies revealed the existence of invasive tumors in 10 of the patients (71.4%). Postoperative CT/MRI showed no tumor tissue in 3 patients but in 7 patients there were tumor remains. The remaining 4 patients had abnormal images although not considered as tumor. A statistical comparison of preoperative serum GH and IGF-1 levels in patients with gigantism and patients with acromegaly showed a significant elevation in the former.

CONCLUSION

Pituitary adenomas that cause gigantism are generally large and invasive, which makes them difficult to cure. High preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 are also factors that decrease remission.

A single-center observational study assessing the predictive factors associated with the prognosis of acromegaly

AIM

The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic values of various preoperative factors, including the surgeon's ability as well as the patient's age, gender, tumor size, cavernous sinus invasion, compression of the optic chiasm, hypopituitarism, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining pattern of the adenoma, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level, in acromegalic patients who had undergone pituitary surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

This single-center, retrospective study assessed the medical records of 108 patients who had undergone pituitary surgery with the same neurosurgical team.

RESULTS

The mean total follow-up period after surgery was 44.8 (min: 24, max: 59) months. Remission was reported in 67 (62.0%) patients, and 57 (52.8%) patients did not experience recurrence. Initial tumor volume, IGF-1 level, and optic chiasm compression, but not patients' age, gender, cavernous sinus invasion, and IHC staining patterns of the adenoma, were prognostic of either remission or recurrence. An IGF-1 level of 860 ng/mLwas found to be a convenient cut-off point for determining remission.

CONCLUSIONS

The experience of the surgical team suggests that the initial tumor volume, IGF-1 level, and optic chiasm compression have high prognostic values in relation to pituitary surgery for patients with acromegaly.

MRI texture analysis in acromegaly and its role in predicting response to somatostatin receptor ligands

PURPOSE

Given the paucity of reliable predictors of tumor recurrence, progression, or response to somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL) therapy in acromegaly, we attempted to determine whether preoperative MR image texture was predictive of these clinical outcomes. We also determined whether image texture could differentiate somatotroph adenomas from non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with acromegaly due to a macroadenoma who underwent transsphenoidal surgery at our institution between 2007 and 2015. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. MRI texture analysis was performed on preoperative non-enhanced T1-weighted images using ImageJ (NIH). Logistic and Cox models were used to determine if image texture parameters predicted outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients had texture parameters measured, which were compared to that of NFPAs, while 64 of these patients had follow-up and were included in the remainder of analyses. Minimum pixel intensity, skewness, and kurtosis were significantly different in somatotroph adenomas versus NFPAs (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.7771, for kurtosis). Furthermore, those with a maximum pixel intensity above the median had an increased odds of IGF-I normalization on SRL therapy (OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.33-26.66), which persisted after adjusting for several potential predictors of response. Image texture did not predict tumor recurrence or progression.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that MRI texture analysis can distinguish NFPAs from somatotroph macroadenomas with good diagnostic accuracy and can predict normalization of IGF-I with SRL therapy.

Gender differences and temporal trends over two decades in acromegaly: a single center study in 112 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of gender and year at surgery on clinical presentation and postoperative outcomes in acromegaly.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients operated between 1994 and 2016 to compare presentation and outcomes in groups defined by gender and year of surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses with a composite endpoint (recurrence, reoperation, and radiation) were used for gender comparison and Youden indices for biochemical remission rates changes during study period.

RESULTS

Primary indications for evaluation were phenotype, neurological symptoms, incidentaloma, hypogonadism, and galactorrhea. At surgery, men (N = 54) were younger (43.6 ± 12.7 years) than women (N = 58, 48.7 ± 12.3, P = 0.04). Male:female ratios before and after age 50 were 1.4 and 0.6 respectively. Men had higher mean IGF-1 levels (874 ± 328 vs 716 ± 296, P < 0.01) and smaller tumors (1.8 ± 1.3 cm vs 2.3 ± 1.5, P = 0.04). Postoperative remission rates were comparable (51% men, 56% women) and inversely associated with cavernous sinus invasion and GH levels. Women had longer mean follow-up (5.2 ± 3.4 years vs 3.6 ± 3.6 men, P = 0.02) and longer endpoint-free survival (P < 0.01). At last follow-up, 89.6% women and 70% men had normal IGF-1 levels (P = 0.03). Postoperative remission rates were higher in patients operated after February 15, 2011 (67.35 vs 43.5% previously, P = 0.01). In late vs early surgery group, physical changes as main indication for screening decreased (54 vs 30%, P < 0.01), while incidentaloma and hypogonadism increased. Median GH levels were lower in late vs early surgery group (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate gender-specific characteristics and an evolving spectrum of clinical presentation with implications for earlier diagnosis and personalized management of acromegaly.

NECESSITY OF MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF ACROMEGALY AND OUTCOMES

OBJECTIVE

Uncontrolled acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite multimodal therapeutic options, adequate control can be challenging and lead to prolonged exposure to growth hormone excess. The aim of this study was to assess treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with acromegaly following surgery at a single institution.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of response to treatment modalities for patients with a new diagnosis of acromegaly at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1995-2015.

RESULTS

A total of 245 patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly (mean age at diagnosis, 47 ± 14 years; mean follow-up, 5.5 ± 5 years) were evaluated. Primary surgical intervention was performed in 236 patients; 117 (54%) did not achieve remission. Among those with ≥3 months follow-up, 76/217 (35%) patients required three or more forms of treatment. Mean tumor size at diagnosis was 1.6 ± 0.8 cm (80% macroadenomas), and 35% (75/217) had cavernous sinus invasion on pre-operative imaging. The most common second-line treatment was radiation treatment (RT) (50%, 59/117). Among those with persistent disease following surgery, a normal insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was achieved in 52% (61/117), with a median time to acromegaly control of 4.5 years. The rate of IGF-1 normalization was 2.1-fold higher in those who received RT compared to those who did not.

CONCLUSION

In patients with persistent acromegaly following surgery, multiple treatment modalities, including RT, may be required to achieve remission. Treatment outcome uncertainty and the need for multiple interventions add to the disease burden associated with persistent acromegaly.

ABBREVIATIONS

CI = confidence interval; GH = growth hormone; IGF-1 = insulin like growth factor-1; KM = Kaplan-Meier; RT = radiation treatment.

Functioning Pituitary Adenomas - Current Treatment Options and Emerging Medical Therapies

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumours comprising approximately 16% of all primary cranial neoplasms. Functioning pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas, somatotroph, corticotroph, thyrotroph and rarely gonadotroph adenomas) cause complex clinical syndromes and require prompt treatment to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Treatment approaches include transsphenoidal surgery, medical therapy and radiation. Medical therapy is the primary therapy for prolactinomas, and surgery by a skilled neurosurgeon is the first-line approach for other functioning pituitary adenomas. A multimodal treatment is frequently necessary to achieve biochemical and clinical control, especially, when surgery is not curative or when medical therapy fails. Several emerging, novel, medical treatments for acromegaly, Cushing's disease and prolactinomas are in phase II and III clinical trials and may become effective additions to the current drug armamentarium. The availability of various management options will allow an individualised treatment approach based on the unique tumour type, clinical situation and patient preference.

Pituitary adenomas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: a single-center experience in China

PURPOSE

To explore the clinical characteristics of pituitary adenomas in patients with MEN1 and to summarize treatment strategies for MEN1 in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 54 MEN1 patients with pituitary adenomas diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2003 to January 2017. Clinical data, laboratory testing results, treatments of involved glands and treatment responses were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age at pituitary adenoma diagnosis was 53.9 ± 17.8. The patients initially consulted the Endocrinology, General Surgery and Neurosurgery departments, in descending frequency. The nonfunctioning adenoma, prolactinoma, GH-secreting adenoma, cosecreting adenoma, and ACTH-secreting adenoma subtypes accounted for 48.1%, 27.8%, 9.3%, 9.3% and 5.6% of the cases, respectively. The remission rate for prolactinomas was 46.2% (6/13) treated with bromocriptine. And the remission rates were 87.5% (7/8) and 100% (3/3) for GH-secreting adenomas and ACTH-secreting adenomas respectively achieved by transsphenoidal surgery. Nineteen (35.2%) patients with asymptomatic nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas showed no progression after a 35-month follow-up with close observation. Regarding treatment priority, patients with thymic carcinoid tumors received first-line surgery, 54% of the patients with enteropancreatic tumors had these tumors treated first, and 26% of all patients had their pituitary adenomas treated first. In acromegalic patients, pituitary lesions tended to be treated first (75%, p = 0.002). PHPT and adrenocortical adenomas can be managed with elective surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of MEN1 requires cooperation between multidisciplinary teams. Individualized treatment according to the severity of glandular involvement is needed. GH-secreting and ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas require active treatment, while nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas can be observed closely.