A proposed clinical classification for pituitary neoplasms to guide therapy and prognosis

No comprehensive classification system that guides prognosis and therapy of pituitary adenomas exists. The 2022 WHO histopathology-based classification system can only be applied to lesions that are resected, which represent few clinically significant pituitary adenomas. Many factors independent of histopathology provide mechanistic insight into causation and influence prognosis and treatment of pituitary adenomas. We propose a new approach to guide prognosis and therapy of pituitary adenomas by integrating clinical, genetic, biochemical, radiological, pathological, and molecular information for all adenomas arising from anterior pituitary cell lineages. The system uses an evidence-based scoring of risk factors to yield a cumulative score that reflects disease severity and can be used at the bedside to guide pituitary adenoma management. Once validated in prospective studies, this simple manageable classification system could provide a standardised platform for assessing disease severity, prognosis, and effects of therapy on pituitary adenomas.

Cushing's syndrome

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome results from excess glucocorticoid secretion, which leads to a myriad of clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and increased mortality despite treatment. Molecular mechanisms and genetic alterations associated with different causes of Cushing's syndrome have been described in the last decade. Imaging modalities and biochemical testing have evolved; however, both the diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome remain challenging. Surgery is the preferred treatment for all causes, but medical therapy has markedly advanced, with new drug options becoming available. Nevertheless, several comorbidities remain even after patient remission, which can affect quality of life. Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for mitigating chronic complications of excess glucocorticoids and improving patient quality of life. In this Seminar, we aim to update several important aspects of diagnosis, complications, and treatment of endogenous Cushing's syndrome of all causes.

Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Pasireotide in Patients With Acromegaly: 14 Years of Single-Center Real-World Experience

CONTEXT

Acromegaly is a rare, chronic, debilitating disorder caused by prolonged hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) and overproduction of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Medical therapies, including the somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL) pasireotide, are frequently used to restore biochemical control.

OBJECTIVE

As patients often receive therapy over prolonged periods, long-term data from real-life settings are needed.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using a prospectively maintained database of all patients with acromegaly from our primary care center who were enrolled in clinical studies with pasireotide (first visit November 2008). The main outcome measures were safety and biochemical control (age-adjusted IGF-I ≤ upper limit of normal).

RESULTS

Patients (n = 50) entered 4 parental studies and 30 continued in the rollover; at data cutoff (June 2022), 27 were still receiving pasireotide. Overall, median (range) exposure was 58 (3-137) months. Normal IGF-I was achieved in 54%, and acromegaly symptoms and quality of life were improved with treatment. No predictors of pasireotide response were identified; however, controlled patients had smaller tumors and lower GH at baseline. Tumor volume reduction occurred in 63% of evaluable patients (n = 10/16). Most patients presented hyperglycemic events, including 63.2% of patients with normal glucose before treatment. Older patients and those with higher IGF-I, glucose, and HbA1c at baseline had higher glucose and HbA1c during pasireotide treatment.

CONCLUSION

Pasireotide provided clinical benefit and was well tolerated for more than 11 years of treatment in acromegaly patients, most of whom were resistant to first-generation SRLs.

Pilot study to define criteria for Pituitary Tumors Centers of Excellence (PTCOE): results of an audit of leading international centers

PURPOSE

The Pituitary Society established the concept and mostly qualitative parameters for defining uniform criteria for Pituitary Tumor Centers of Excellence (PTCOEs) based on expert consensus. Aim of the study was to validate those previously proposed criteria through collection and evaluation of self-reported activity of several internationally-recognized tertiary pituitary centers, thereby transforming the qualitative 2017 definition into a validated quantitative one, which could serve as the basis for future objective PTCOE accreditation.

METHODS

An ad hoc prepared database was distributed to nine Pituitary Centers chosen by the Project Scientific Committee and comprising Centers of worldwide repute, which agreed to provide activity information derived from registries related to the years 2018-2020 and completing the database within 60 days. The database, provided by each center and composed of Excel® spreadsheets with requested specific information on leading and supporting teams, was reviewed by two blinded referees and all 9 candidate centers satisfied the overall PTCOE definition, according to referees' evaluations. To obtain objective numerical criteria, median values for each activity/parameter were considered as the preferred PTCOE definition target, whereas the low limit of the range was selected as the acceptable target for each respective parameter.

RESULTS

Three dedicated pituitary neurosurgeons are preferred, whereas one dedicated surgeon is acceptable. Moreover, 100 surgical procedures per center per year are preferred, while the results indicated that 50 surgeries per year are acceptable. Acute post-surgery complications, including mortality and readmission rates, should preferably be negligible or nonexistent, but acceptable criterion is a rate lower than 10% of patients with complications requiring readmission within 30 days after surgery. Four endocrinologists devoted to pituitary diseases are requested in a PTCOE and the total population of patients followed in a PTCOE should not be less than 850. It appears acceptable that at least one dedicated/expert in pituitary diseases is present in neuroradiology, pathology, and ophthalmology groups, whereas at least two expert radiation oncologists are needed.

CONCLUSION

This is, to our knowledge, the first study to survey and evaluate the activity of a relevant number of high-volume centers in the pituitary field. This effort, internally validated by ad hoc reviewers, allowed for transformation of previously formulated theoretical criteria for the definition of a PTCOE to precise numerical definitions based on real-life evidence. The application of a derived synopsis of criteria could be used by independent bodies for accreditation of pituitary centers as PTCOEs.

Long-term efficacy and safety of osilodrostat in patients with Cushing's disease: results from the LINC 4 study extension

Objective

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of osilodrostat in patients with Cushing's disease.

Methods

The multicenter, 48-week, Phase III LINC 4 clinical trial had an optional extension period that was initially intended to continue to week 96. Patients could continue in the extension until a managed-access program or alternative treatment became available locally, or until a protocol amendment was approved at their site that specified that patients should come for an end-of-treatment visit within 4 weeks or by week 96, whichever occurred first. Study outcomes assessed in the extension included: mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) response rates; changes in mUFC, serum cortisol and late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC); changes in cardiovascular and metabolic-related parameters; blood pressure, waist circumference and weight; changes in physical manifestations of Cushing's disease; changes in patient-reported outcomes for health-related quality of life; changes in tumor volume; and adverse events. Results were analyzed descriptively; no formal statistical testing was performed.

Results

Of 60 patients who entered, 53 completed the extension, with 29 patients receiving osilodrostat for more than 96 weeks (median osilodrostat duration: 87.1 weeks). The proportion of patients with normalized mUFC observed in the core period was maintained throughout the extension. At their end-of-trial visit, 72.4% of patients had achieved normal mUFC. Substantial reductions in serum cortisol and LNSC were also observed. Improvements in most cardiovascular and metabolic-related parameters, as well as physical manifestations of Cushing's disease, observed in the core period were maintained or continued to improve in the extension. Osilodrostat was generally well tolerated; the safety profile was consistent with previous reports.

Conclusion

Osilodrostat provided long-term control of cortisol secretion that was associated with sustained improvements in clinical signs and physical manifestations of hypercortisolism. Osilodrostat is an effective long-term treatment for patients with Cushing's disease.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02180217.

A systematic literature review to evaluate extended dosing intervals in the pharmacological management of acromegaly

PURPOSE

This systematic literature review investigated whether extended dosing intervals (EDIs) of pharmacological acromegaly treatments reduce patient burden and costs compared with standard dosing, while maintaining effectiveness.

METHODS

MEDLINE/Embase/the Cochrane Library (2001-June 2021) and key congresses (2018-2021) were searched and identified systematic literature review bibliographies reviewed. Included publications reported on efficacy/effectiveness, safety and tolerability, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient-reported and economic outcomes in longitudinal/cross-sectional studies in adults with acromegaly. Interventions included EDIs of pegvisomant, cabergoline, and somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs): lanreotide autogel/depot (LAN), octreotide long-acting release (OCT), pasireotide long-acting release (PAS), and oral octreotide; no comparator was required.

RESULTS

In total, 35 publications reported on 27 studies: 3 pegvisomant monotherapy, 11 pegvisomant combination therapy with SRLs, 9 LAN, and 4 OCT; no studies reported on cabergoline, PAS, or oral octreotide at EDIs. Maintenance of normal insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was observed in ≥ 70% of patients with LAN (1 study), OCT (1 study), and pegvisomant monotherapy (1 study). Achievement of normal IGF-I was observed in ≥ 70% of patients with LAN (3 studies) and pegvisomant in combination with SRLs (4 studies). Safety profiles were similar across EDI and standard regimens. Patients preferred and were satisfied with EDIs. HRQoL was maintained and cost savings were provided with EDIs versus standard regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical efficacy/effectiveness, safety, and HRQoL outcomes in adults with acromegaly were similar and costs lower with EDIs versus standard regimens. Physicians may consider acromegaly treatment at EDIs, especially for patients with good disease control.

OR27-3 Long-Term Results from the Phase III LINC 4 Study: Osilodrostat Maintained Normal Mean Urinary Free Cortisol in Patients with Cushing's Disease, with a Favorable Safety Profile

Background

Osilodrostat, a potent oral 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor, provided rapid and sustained normalization of mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) during the 48-week (W) core period of LINC 4 (NCT02697734), and was well tolerated. We report long-term efficacy and safety results from the LINC 4 core and extension phases combined.

Methods

73 adults with CD and mUFC >1.3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) were enrolled. LINC 4 comprised a 12W, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by 36W of open-label osilodrostat. At W48, patients could enter an optional extension. Dose adjustments were permitted based on efficacy/tolerability (range during open-label treatment 1–30 mg bid). LINC 4 ended when all patients transitioned to a separate long-term safety study (not reported) or discontinued treatment. Efficacy/safety are reported for all patients unless otherwise stated, and excludes data collected during W1–12 for placebo recipients.

Results

Of the 65 patients who completed the core phase, 60 entered the extension. Median (range) osilodrostat exposure from core baseline to study end was 87.1 (2–127) W; median average (IQR) dose was 4.6 (3.7–9.2) mg/day. 15 patients discontinued osilodrostat; 7 after W48 (6 because of adverse events [AEs]). The proportion of patients with normal mUFC (≤138 nmol/24h [50 µg/24h]) was 68.5% (n=50/73) at W48, 61.5% (n=40/65) at W72 and 72.4% (n=42/58) at the end-of-treatment extension (EOT) visit. Median mUFC decreased from 2.5×ULN (core baseline) to 0.5×ULN (W48 and W72), to 0.4×ULN (EOT). Median late-night salivary cortisol decreased from 2.8×ULN (core baseline) to 1.2×ULN (W48 and W72), to 1.1×ULN (EOT).The most common AEs during the entire study were decreased appetite (46.6%), arthralgia (45.2%), fatigue (39.7%), nausea (37.0%), headache (34.2%) and dizziness (30.1%). Hypocortisolism- and adrenal-hormone-precursor-accumulation-related AEs occurred in 28.8% (21/73) and 61.6% (45/73) of patients during the entire study, less frequently in the extension than the core. Most were grade 1/2 and resolved with dose reduction/interruption and/or concomitant medication. During the extension, hirsutism and acne were reported as AEs by 1 and 0 patients, respectively.Median ACTH increased from 1.1×ULN (core baseline) to 3.0×ULN (W48), to 3.6×ULN (W72), to 3.5×ULN (EOT). Median change (95% CI) in pituitary tumor volume (assessed by MRI) from core baseline to last available assessment was 4.0 mm3 (−24.1–169.8); pituitary-tumor-enlargement-related AEs led to drug discontinuation in 2 and 0 patients during the core and extension, respectively. No trend was observed between tumor volume change and osilodrostat dose.

Conclusion

Osilodrostat provided long-term control of cortisol production during LINC 4. Fewer AEs related to hypocortisolism and accumulation of adrenal-hormone-precursors occurred during the extension than during the core. Osilodrostat is an effective and well-tolerated long-term treatment option for CD patients.

Presentation: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

PMON162 Osilodrostat Provides Sustained Clinical Benefits and Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cushing's Disease: Results from the Phase III LINC 4 Study

Background

Cushing's disease (CD) is a serious disorder associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and reduced patient quality of life (QoL), because of hypercortisolism. We report long-term effects of osilodrostat, a potent 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor, on cardiovascular/metabolic-related risk factors, physical features of hypercortisolism and QoL in CD patients following the core and extension phases of the LINC 4 study (NCT02697734).

Methods

LINC 4 comprised a 12-week (W), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period, 36W of open-label osilodrostat, and an optional extension phase in adults with CD and mUFC >1.3xULN. Dose adjustments were permitted based on efficacy/tolerability (range during open-label treatment 1–30 mg bid). LINC 4 ended when all patients transitioned to a separate long-term safety study or discontinued treatment. Cardiovascular/metabolic-related parameters, physical features of hypercortisolism (rating: 0=absent; 1=mild; 2=moderate; 3=severe), and CushingQoL score were evaluated at core baseline, every 2, 4, 12 or 24W (depending on study phase/parameter) and at the end-of-treatment extension (EOT) visit. Change from baseline is provided for patients with assessments at core baseline, W48 and EOT.

Results

Of the 65 patients completing W48, 60 entered the extension. Median (range) osilodrostat exposure from core baseline to study end: 87.1 (2–127) W; median (IQR) average dose: 4.6 (3.7‍–‍9.2) mg/day. Mean changes (95% CI) in cardiovascular/metabolic-related parameters from core baseline to W48 and EOT, respectively, included decreases in systolic (−9.7 [−14.9, −4.6] mmHg; −12.4 [−17.4, −7.4] mmHg; baseline: 131.5 mmHg) and diastolic (−4.2 [−7.3, −1.2] mmHg; −5.6 [−8.9, −2.4] mmHg; baseline 87.5 mmHg) blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (−3.1 [−6.8, 0.6] mg/dL; −3.5 [−8.5, 1.4] mg/dL; baseline: 95.3 mg/dL) and cholesterol (−0.5 [−0.8, −0.2] mmol/L; −0.6 [−0.9, −0.3] mmol/L; baseline: 5.5 mmol/L). Improvements (mean change [95% CI]) from core baseline to W48 and EOT also occurred for weight (–4.3 [–5.9, –2.6] kg; –6.8 [–8.8, –4.8] kg; baseline: 78.3 kg) and waist circumference (–4.5 [–6.0, –3.1] cm; –7.6 [–9.6, –5.6] cm; baseline: 102.8 cm).

Physical features of hypercortisolism improved (severity reduced) or remained stable from core baseline to EOT in most patients (respectively): ecchymosis (21% [n=10/48]; 79% [n=38/48]), striae (26%; n=12/46; 72% [n=33/46]), hirsutism in females (29% [n=11/38]; 61% [n=23/38]), muscle weakness (33% [n=16/49]; 61% [n=30/49]), facial rubor (48% [n=23/48]; 46% [n=22/48]), central obesity (55% [n=27/49]; 37% [n=18/49]), and fat pads (dorsal: 58% [n=28/48]; 31% [n=15/48]; supraclavicular: 65% [n=32/49]; 35% [n=17/49]). CushingQoL score improved from core baseline to W48 and EOT (mean change [95% CI]: 12.0 [8.2, 15.9]; 17.1 [12.5, 21.7]; baseline: 51.8).

Conclusion

Most cardiovascular/metabolic-related parameters continued to improve during long-term osilodrostat treatment. Additionally, most physical features of hypercortisolism, including hirsutism, either improved or remained stable, and CushingQoL score improved. Osilodrostat is an effective treatment that may alleviate disease burden for many patients with CD.

Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Randomized Trial of Osilodrostat for the Treatment of Cushing Disease

CONTEXT

Cushing disease, a chronic hypercortisolism disorder, is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Normalizing cortisol production is the primary treatment goal.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of osilodrostat, a potent, orally available 11βhydroxylase inhibitor, compared with placebo in patients with Cushing disease.

METHODS

LINC 4 was a phase III, multicenter trial comprising an initial 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (osilodrostat:placebo, 2:1) period followed by a 36-week, open-label treatment period (NCT02697734). Adult patients (aged 18-75 years) with confirmed Cushing disease and mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) excretion ≥ 1.3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were eligible. The primary endpoint was the proportion of randomized patients with mUFC ≤ ULN at week 12. The key secondary endpoint was the proportion achieving mUFC ≤ ULN at week 36 (after 24 weeks' open-label osilodrostat).

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients (median age, 39 years [range, 19-67]; mean/median mUFC, 3.1 × ULN/2.5 × ULN) received randomized treatment with osilodrostat (n = 48) or placebo (n = 25). At week 12, significantly more osilodrostat (77%) than placebo (8%) patients achieved mUFC ≤ ULN (odds ratio 43.4; 95% CI 7.1, 343.2; P < 0.0001). Response was maintained at week 36, when 81% (95% CI 69.9, 89.1) of all patients achieved mUFC ≤ ULN. The most common adverse events during the placebo-controlled period (osilodrostat vs placebo) were decreased appetite (37.5% vs 16.0%), arthralgia (35.4% vs 8.0%), and nausea (31.3% vs 12.0%).

CONCLUSION

Osilodrostat rapidly normalized mUFC excretion in most patients with Cushing disease and maintained this effect throughout the study. The safety profile was favorable.

Consensus on diagnosis and management of Cushing's disease: a guideline update

Cushing's disease requires accurate diagnosis, careful treatment selection, and long-term management to optimise patient outcomes. The Pituitary Society convened a consensus workshop comprising more than 50 academic researchers and clinical experts to discuss the application of recent evidence to clinical practice. In advance of the virtual meeting, data from 2015 to present about screening and diagnosis; surgery, medical, and radiation therapy; and disease-related and treatment-related complications of Cushing's disease summarised in recorded lectures were reviewed by all participants. During the meeting, concise summaries of the recorded lectures were presented, followed by small group breakout discussions. Consensus opinions from each group were collated into a draft document, which was reviewed and approved by all participants. Recommendations regarding use of laboratory tests, imaging, and treatment options are presented, along with algorithms for diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and management of Cushing's disease. Topics considered most important to address in future research are also identified.

Machine Learning-based Prediction Model for Treatment of Acromegaly With First-generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands

CONTEXT

Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML), may be used to deeply analyze biomarkers of response to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) in the treatment of acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a prediction model of therapeutic response of acromegaly to fg-SRL.

METHODS

Patients with acromegaly not cured by primary surgical treatment and who had adjuvant therapy with fg-SRL for at least 6 months after surgery were included. Patients were considered controlled if they presented growth hormone (GH) <1.0 ng/mL and normal age-adjusted insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels. Six AI models were evaluated: logistic regression, k-nearest neighbor classifier, support vector machine, gradient-boosted classifier, random forest, and multilayer perceptron. The features included in the analysis were age at diagnosis, sex, GH, and IGF-I levels at diagnosis and at pretreatment, somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and 5 (SST2 and SST5) protein expression and cytokeratin granulation pattern (GP).

RESULTS

A total of 153 patients were analyzed. Controlled patients were older (P = .002), had lower GH at diagnosis (P = .01), had lower pretreatment GH and IGF-I (P < .001), and more frequently harbored tumors that were densely granulated (P = .014) or highly expressed SST2 (P < .001). The model that performed best was the support vector machine with the features SST2, SST5, GP, sex, age, and pretreatment GH and IGF-I levels. It had an accuracy of 86.3%, positive predictive value of 83.3% and negative predictive value of 87.5%.

CONCLUSION

We developed a ML-based prediction model with high accuracy that has the potential to improve medical management of acromegaly, optimize biochemical control, decrease long-term morbidities and mortality, and reduce health services costs.

Osilodrostat Is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Treatment for Cushing’s Disease (CD): Results From a Phase III Study With an Upfront, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase (LINC 4)

Background: In a prior Phase III, randomized-withdrawal study, osilodrostat, a potent oral 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor, provided rapid and sustained normalization of mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) in most patients (pts) with CD. Now, we report efficacy and safety results from another Phase III study of osilodrostat in pts with CD that included an upfront, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase (LINC 4: NCT02697734). Methods: Adults with CD with mUFC >1.3 x ULN were randomized 2:1 to osilodrostat 2 mg bid or matching placebo for a 12-week (W) double-blind period, with dose adjustments at W2, 5 and 8 (range 1-20 mg bid) based on efficacy and tolerability; dose matching and adjustments were managed by independent endocrinologists. From W12 to W48, all pts received open-label osilodrostat, with dose adjustments permitted (range 1-30 mg bid). At W48, pts could enter an optional extension. Primary endpoint: proportion of randomized pts in each arm who received ≥1 treatment dose with mUFC ≤ULN at W12. Results: 73 pts were randomized and received osilodrostat (n=48) or matching placebo (n=25; baseline median [range] mUFC 2.5 x ULN [0.7-12.5] vs 2.2 x ULN [0.2-18.9]). 77% of osilodrostat recipients achieved mUFC ≤ULN at W12 vs 8% of placebo recipients (OR 43.4; 95% CI 7.1-343.2; P<0.0001). At W36, 81% (95% CI 69.9-89.1) of osilodrostat recipients had mUFC ≤ULN (key secondary endpoint). Median time to first controlled mUFC response was 35 days (95% CI 34‒52) for pts randomized to osilodrostat. Median duration of osilodrostat exposure at data cut-off (Feb 25, 2020) was 71.7 vs 62.3 weeks for pts randomized to osilodrostat and placebo (median [IQR] dose 4.7 [3.8-9.0] vs 6.0 mg/day [3.7-9.7]). Up to W12, 3 osilodrostat pts discontinued, 1 because of an AE (arthralgia), vs 0 with placebo. The most common (≥30%) AEs occurring by W12 were decreased appetite (38% osilodrostat vs 16% placebo), arthralgia (35% vs 8%) and nausea (31% vs 12%). AEs related to hypocortisolism and adrenal-hormone-precursor accumulation occurred in 15% vs 0% and 44% vs 36% of osilodrostat and placebo pts; most were grade 1/2 and resolved with dose reduction/interruption and/or concomitant medication. During the overall study period, the most common (≥30%) AEs occurring on osilodrostat treatment were arthralgia (45%), decreased appetite (45%), fatigue (38%), nausea (37%) and headache (33%). Improvements in cardiovascular- and metabolic-related parameters, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure and HbA_1c, were observed with osilodrostat treatment at W12 and W48.

Conclusion: Osilodrostat was superior to placebo at normalizing mUFC levels at W12 (77% vs 8%). Improvements in mUFC levels were sustained at W36. Few pts discontinued because of AEs; hypocortisolism-related AEs were infrequent and manageable. We conclude that osilodrostat is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for pts with CD.

Glucocorticoid use in patients with adrenal insufficiency following administration of the COVID-19 vaccine: a pituitary society statement

PURPOSE

Side effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, myalgias, arthralgias, chills, and fever, all of which can be early indicators of an increased need for glucocorticoid replacement in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The Pituitary Society surveyed its membership to understand planned approaches to glucocorticoid management in patients with adrenal insufficiency who will receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODS

Members were asked to complete up to 3 questions regarding their planned approach for use of glucocorticoid replacement in patients with proven adrenal insufficiency.

RESULTS

Surveys were sent to 273 members and 103 responded. Thirty-six percent plan to recommend that patients automatically increase glucocorticoid dosage with administration of the first vaccine injection. Of these, 84% plan to increase glucocorticoid dose on the day of vaccination, and 49% plan to increase glucocorticoid dose prior to vaccination. Of the 64% who do not plan to recommend automatic glucocorticoid dose increase with vaccine administration, 88% plan to increase the dose if the patient develops a fever, and 47% plan to increase the dose if myalgias and arthralgias occur.

CONCLUSIONS

Most clinicians plan to maintain the current glucocorticoid dose with vaccine administration. The vast majority plan and to increase glucocorticoid dose in case of fever, and just under half in case of arthralgias and myalgias. These survey results offer suggested management guidance for glucocorticoid management in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Pituitary Neoplasm Nomenclature Workshop: Does Adenoma Stand the Test of Time?

The WHO Classification of Endocrine Tumours designates pituitary neoplasms as adenomas. A proposed nomenclature change to pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) has been met with concern by some stakeholder groups. The Pituitary Society coordinated the Pituitary Neoplasm Nomenclature (PANOMEN) workshop to address the topic. Experts in pituitary developmental biology, pathology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, and oncology, including representatives nominated by the Endocrine Society, European Society of Endocrinology, European Neuroendocrine Association, Growth Hormone Research Society, and International Society of Pituitary Surgeons. Clinical epidemiology, disease phenotype, management, and prognosis of pituitary adenomas differ from that of most NETs. The vast majority of pituitary adenomas are benign and do not adversely impact life expectancy. A nomenclature change to PitNET does not address the main challenge of prognostic prediction, assigns an uncertain malignancy designation to benign pituitary adenomas, and may adversely affect patients. Due to pandemic restrictions, the workshop was conducted virtually, with audiovisual lectures and written précis on each topic provided to all participants. Feedback was collated and summarized by Content Chairs and discussed during a virtual writing meeting moderated by Session Chairs, which yielded an evidence-based draft document sent to all participants for review and approval. There is not yet a case for adopting the PitNET nomenclature. The PANOMEN Workshop recommends that the term adenoma be retained and that the topic be revisited as new evidence on pituitary neoplasm biology emerges.

SAT-433 Long-Acting Pasireotide Provides Clinical Benefit to Patients with Uncontrolled Acromegaly over Continued Treatment with First‑Generation Somatostatin Analogues (SSAs): Results from Phase 3b, Open-Label Study

Background: In a 24-week, Phase 3 study (PAOLA), long-acting pasireotide demonstrated superior efficacy (GH <2.5 µg/L and IGF-1 <ULN) over continued treatment with long-acting octreotide/lanreotide in pts with uncontrolled acromegaly (Gadelha MR, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2014;2:875-884). An earlier (3 months) switch to long-acting pasireotide and the current criteria for biochemical control, i.e. GH <1 μg/L and IGF-1 <ULN, are considered in the present phase 3b study. This study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02354508) evaluated the efficacy (GH <1 μg/L and IGF-1 <ULN) and safety of long‑acting pasireotide in pts with uncontrolled acromegaly despite ≥3 months of treatment with maximal approved doses of first-generation SSAs. Methods: Adults with uncontrolled acromegaly (mean GH [mGH] ≥1 µg/L and IGF-1 >1.3xULN) despite ≥3 months of treatment with maximal approved doses of long-acting octreotide/lanreotide received open-label long-acting pasireotide 40 mg/28 days. Pasireotide dose could be up titrated to 60 mg/28 days after week 12 if the biochemical control was not achieved or down titrated to 20 mg/28 days or 10 mg/28 days for tolerability. Primary endpoint: proportion of pts with mGH <1 μg/L and IGF-1 <ULN at week 36 overall and by screening mGH (1.0-2.5 μg/L and >2.5 μg/L). Results: 123 pts received long-acting pasireotide: median age, 43.0 years (range, 22-76); female, 50.4%; baseline median (range) mGH, 5.4 µg/L (1.2-195.5) and IGF-1, 2.3xULN (1.4-7.9); prediabetic/diabetic at baseline, n=112 (91.1%). The median duration of exposure to pasireotide was 36.0 weeks (median dose intensity, 53.3 mg/month). Overall, 18 pts (14.6% [95%CI, 8.9-22.1]) achieved biochemical control at week 36 (primary endpoint); 12 (42.9% [95%CI, 24.5-62.8]) and 6 pts (6.4% [95%CI, 2.4-13.4]) by screening mGH levels of 1.0 to 2.5 µg/L (n=28) and >2.5 µg/L (n=94), respectively. At week 36, 23 (18.7%), 16 (57.1%) and 7 pts (7.4%) had GH <1 µg/L; and 38 (30.9%), 14 (50.0%) and 24 pts (25.5%) had IGF-1 <ULN overall and by screening mGH levels of 1.0 to 2.5 µg/L and >2.5 µg/L, respectively. The median percentage decreases in mGH and standardized IGF-1 from baseline to week 36 were 56.8% and 42.8%. The most common AEs (>15%) regardless of study drug relationship were hyperglycemia (43.1%), diabetes mellitus (22.0%), and diarrhea (15.4%). Hyperglycemia-related AEs suspected to be drug related occurred in 81 pts (66%) overall and 4 of 11 pts (36.4%) who were nondiabetic at baseline. A total of 10 pts (8.1%) discontinued treatment either because of AEs (n=4; 3.3%) or unsatisfactory therapeutic effect (n=3; 2.4%), or consent withdrawal (n=3; 2.4%). Conclusions: In pts with uncontrolled acromegaly, switching to long-acting pasireotide after ≥3 months of treatment with first-generation SSAs provided biochemical control (mGH <1.0 μg/L and IGF-1 <ULN) in 15% of all pts and 43% of pts with lower screening mGH (1.0-2.5 µg/L).

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Switching to Pasireotide in Patients With Acromegaly Inadequately Controlled With First-Generation Somatostatin Analogs

Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare, serious endocrine disorder characterized by excess growth hormone (GH) secretion by a pituitary adenoma and overproduction of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Transsphenoidal surgery is the treatment of choice, although many patients require additional interventions. First-generation somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are the current standard of medical therapy; however, not all patients achieve control of GH and IGF-I. Outcomes from a Phase IIIb open-label study of patients with uncontrolled acromegaly on first-generation SSAs switching to pasireotide are reported. Methods: Adults with uncontrolled acromegaly (mean GH [mGH] ≥1 μg/L from a five-point profile over 2 h, and IGF-I >1.3× upper limit of normal [ULN]) despite ≥3 months' treatment with maximal approved doses of long-acting octreotide/lanreotide received open-label long-acting pasireotide 40 mg/28 days. Pasireotide dose could be increased (maximum: 60 mg/28 days) after week 12 if biochemical control was not achieved, or decreased (minimum: 10 mg/28 days) for tolerability. Patients who completed 36 weeks' treatment could continue receiving pasireotide during an extension (weeks 36-72) when concomitant medication for acromegaly was permitted. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients with mGH <1 μg/L and IGF-I <ULN at week 36. Biochemical control was also assessed during the extension. Safety was assessed throughout. Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients were enrolled and received pasireotide; 88 patients continued into the extension. Overall, 18 [14.6% (95% CI: 8.9-22.1)] patients achieved mGH <1 μg/L and IGF-I <ULN at week 36; biochemical control was achieved in 42.9% with screening mGH 1.0-2.5 μg/L and 6.4% with screening mGH >2.5 μg/L. For patients who entered the extension, 14.8% (95% CI: 8.1-23.9), 12.5% (95% CI: 6.4-21.3), 14.8% (95% CI: 8.1-23.9) and 11.4% (95% CI: 5.6-19.9) had mGH <1 μg/L and IGF-I <ULN at weeks 36, 48, 60, and 72, respectively. During the overall study period, most frequent investigator-reported drug-related adverse events were hyperglycemia (41.5%), diabetes mellitus (23.6%), and diarrhea (11.4%). Conclusions: Switching to long-acting pasireotide provided biochemical control in some patients, which was sustained with continued treatment. Long-term safety and tolerability of long-acting pasireotide was consistent with the known safety profile. These data support long-acting pasireotide for some patients with acromegaly who are uncontrolled on first generation SSAs. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02354508.

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of acromegaly: a focus on comorbidities

INTRODUCTION

Acromegaly is a rare, insidious disease resulting from the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and is associated with a range of comorbidities. The extent of associated complications and mortality risk is related to length of exposure to the excess GH and IGF-1, thus early diagnosis and treatment is imperative. Unfortunately, acromegaly is often diagnosed late, when patients already have a wide range of comorbidities. The presence of comorbid conditions contributes significantly to patient morbidity/mortality and impaired quality of life.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective literature review for information relating to the diagnosis of acromegaly, and its associated comorbidities using PubMed. The main aim of this review is to highlight the issues of comorbidities in acromegaly, and to reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Successful management of acromegaly goes beyond treating the disease itself, since many patients are diagnosed late in disease evolution, they present with a range of comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. It is important that patients are screened carefully at diagnosis (and thereafter), for common associated complications, and that biochemical control does not become the only treatment goal. Mortality and morbidities in acromegaly can be reduced successfully if patients are treated using a multimodal approach with comprehensive comorbidity management.

Switching patients with acromegaly from octreotide to pasireotide improves biochemical control: crossover extension to a randomized, double-blind, Phase III study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with acromegaly do not achieve biochemical control with first-generation somatostatin analogues. A large, multicenter, randomized, Phase III core study demonstrated that pasireotide LAR had significantly superior efficacy over octreotide LAR. This analysis explores the efficacy and safety of switching therapeutic arms in inadequately controlled patients during a 12-month crossover extension.

METHODS

Patients with inadequate biochemical control (GH ≥2.5 μg/L and/or IGF-1 > ULN) at end of core study (month 12) were eligible to switch to pasireotide LAR 40 mg/28 days (n = 81) or octreotide LAR 20 mg/28 days (n = 38). One dose escalation to pasireotide LAR 60 mg/28 days or octreotide LAR 30 mg/28 days was permitted, but not mandatory, at month 17 or 20.

RESULTS

Twelve months after crossover, 17.3 % of pasireotide LAR and 0 % of octreotide LAR patients achieved GH <2.5 μg/L and normal IGF-1 (main outcome measure); 27.2 and 5.3 % of pasireotide LAR and octreotide LAR patients achieved normal IGF-1, respectively; 44.4 and 23.7 % of pasireotide LAR and octreotide LAR patients achieved GH <2.5 μg/L, respectively. Mean (±SD) tumor volume further decreased from the end of the core study by 25 % (±25) and 18 % (±28); 54.3 % of pasireotide LAR and 42.3 % of octreotide LAR patients achieved significant (≥20 %) tumor volume reduction during the extension. The safety profile of pasireotide LAR was similar to that of octreotide LAR, with the exception of the frequency and degree of hyperglycemia-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Pasireotide LAR is a promising treatment option for patients with acromegaly inadequately controlled with the first-generation somatostatin analogue octreotide LAR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00600886 . Registered 14 January 2008.

Pasireotide versus octreotide in acromegaly: a head-to-head superiority study

CONTEXT

Biochemical control reduces morbidity and increases life expectancy in patients with acromegaly. With current medical therapies, including the gold standard octreotide long-acting-release (LAR), many patients do not achieve biochemical control.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to demonstrate the superiority of pasireotide LAR over octreotide LAR in medically naive patients with acromegaly.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study at 84 sites in 27 countries.

PATIENTS

A total of 358 patients with medically naive acromegaly (GH >5 μg/L or GH nadir ≥1 μg/L after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and IGF-1 above the upper limit of normal) were enrolled. Patients either had previous pituitary surgery but no medical treatment or were de novo with a visible pituitary adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received pasireotide LAR 40 mg/28 days (n = 176) or octreotide LAR 20 mg/28 days (n = 182) for 12 months. At months 3 and 7, titration to pasireotide LAR 60 mg or octreotide LAR 30 mg was permitted, but not mandatory, if GH ≥2.5μg/L and/or IGF-1 was above the upper limit of normal.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was the proportion of patients in each treatment arm with biochemical control (GH <2.5 μg/L and normal IGF-1) at month 12.

RESULTS

Biochemical control was achieved by significantly more pasireotide LAR patients than octreotide LAR patients (31.3% vs 19.2%; P = .007; 35.8% vs 20.9% when including patients with IGF-1 below the lower normal limit). In pasireotide LAR and octreotide LAR patients, respectively, 38.6% and 23.6% (P = .002) achieved normal IGF-1, and 48.3% and 51.6% achieved GH <2.5 μg/L. 31.0% of pasireotide LAR and 22.2% of octreotide LAR patients who did not achieve biochemical control did not receive the recommended dose increase. Hyperglycemia-related adverse events were more common with pasireotide LAR (57.3% vs 21.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pasireotide LAR demonstrated superior efficacy over octreotide LAR and is a viable new treatment option for acromegaly.

The role of primary pharmacological therapy in acromegaly

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Primary pharmacological therapy may be the only viable treatment option for many patients with acromegaly, especially those presenting with advanced disease with large inoperable tumors. Long-acting somatostatin analogs are currently the first-line treatment of choice in this setting, where they provide biochemical control and reduce tumor size in a significant proportion of patients. We herein present a brief overview of the role of primary pharmacological therapy in the treatment of acromegaly within the context of Latin America and support this with a representative case study.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 20 year old male presented with clinical and biochemical evidence of acromegaly. The glucose-suppressed growth hormone (GH) was 5.3 μg/L, his insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) was 3.5 times the ULN and serum prolactin greater than 4,000 μg/L. Pituitary MRI revealed a large and invasive mass, extending superiorly into the optic chiasm and laterally into the left cavernous sinus. He was treated with a combination of octreotide and cabergoline with remarkable clinical improvement, normalization of GH and IGF-1 values and striking shrinkage of the adenoma.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates how effective the pharmacological therapy of acromegaly can be and yet at the same time, raises several important issues such as the need for life-long treatment with costly medications such as the somatostatin analogs. Access to these agents may be limited in regions where resources are restricted and clinicians face challenges in order to make the most efficient use of available options.

Aggressive tumors and difficult choices in acromegaly

PURPOSE

The current article looks at some of the factors associated with pituitary adenomas displaying unusually aggressive biological and clinical behaviour in patients with acromegaly.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, narrative review of previously published evidence chosen at the authors' discretion and presented from the perspective of a Latin American case study.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Although most pituitary tumors in acromegalic patients are benign and non-aggressive many can behave more aggressively, compromising local surrounding structures. These lesions tend to respond poorly to somatostatin analogs, have a higher risk of recurrence after surgery and, thus, a worse prognosis. Patients with more aggressive tumors constitute a particular challenge, as they often require several therapeutic approaches and may be difficult to manage, especially when options are restricted due to limited resources.

Expression of retinoblastoma protein in human growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas

The retinoblastoma gene (RB1) is a tumor-suppressor gene in chromosomal region 13q14.2. Its role in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors has not been fully clarified. Some studies have shown that losses in this chromosomal region are related to aggressive tumor behavior, although the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) is still expressed. Conversely, lack of expression of pRB was observed in one fourth of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas (GH-tumors). In order to further study the expression of pRB in GH-tumors, we evaluated this protein in 49 tumors from patients with acromegaly (20 noninvasive, 25 invasive, and 4 with no information) and 8 normal pituitaries using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Nuclear staining for pRB ranged from 0 to 90% (median 40%) in the tumors and from 40 to 80% (median 58%) in normal pituitaries. In 10 tumors (20% of total) the adenomatous cells were negative (5 cases) or had very low labeling (5 cases) for pRB. Sixty three percent (31/49) of the tumors showed staining in 10-80% of the cells and in 16% (8/49) of the cases >80% of the adenomatous cells were positive for pRB. The expression of pRB was not different in invasive and noninvasive tumors. In conclusion, pRB is underexpressed in a subgroup of GH-tumors, and this may represent an early event in the pathogenesis of this tumor subtype.

Bases moleculares dos adenomas hipofisários com ênfase nos somatotropinomas

Esta revisão descreve as bases moleculares dos adenomas hipofisários com ênfase nos tumores secretores de GH (somatotropinomas). São discutidos os papéis de genes de supressão tumoral (como RB1, MEN-1) e de oncogenes (como gsp, PTTG) na iniciação e progressão destes tumores. A caracterização destes marcadores moleculares pode ajudar na compreensão do comportamento tumoral, auxiliando a conduta terapêutica. Entretanto, apesar dos recentes avanços, ainda não é totalmente conhecida a seqüência de alterações genéticas envolvidas na patogênese destes adenomas.

Optic pathways tuberculoma mimicking glioma: case report

BACKGROUND

Optochiasmatic tuberculomas are very rare lesions. They can occur with concomitant tuberculous meningitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis or as the only manifestation of the disease. The authors present a case of optic pathways tuberculoma with radiologic appearance simulating an optic pathways glioma.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report a case of a 20-year-old man with mental retardation due to anoxic encephalopathy who developed a sudden bilateral amaurosis. He also presented with diabetes insipidus, panhypopituitarism, right proptosis, and chemosis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an enhancing lesion in the optochiasmatic region extending to both optic nerves, with a mass in the right orbit, mimicking an optic pathways glioma. There was no other evidence of systemic involvement of the tuberculosis. The lesion was explored through a right pterional transylvian approach with opening of the optic canal and orbital roof, and a biopsy and an internal decompression were performed. Histopathological studies demonstrated a granulomatous lesion with central caseous necrosis with acid-fast bacilli. The patient improved after treatment with tuberculostatic drugs, but vision recovery could not be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual compromise in tuberculosis is associated with hydrocephalus, optical neuritis or tuberculomas involving the optic pathways. Reviewing the literature on tuberculomas of the optochiasmatic area, we could not find any other case with such extensive involvement of the optic pathways that was radiologically suggestive of an infiltrating glioma. Histopathological studies remain crucial in the diagnosis of intrinsic expansive processes of the optochiasmatic region.

Armadilhas no diagnóstico da hiperprolactinemia

Na abordagem diagnóstica da hiperprolactinemia, três armadilhas ou problemas potenciais merecem uma atenção especial: os incidentalomas hipofisários (presentes em 10% da população adulta à ressonância magnética), o efeito gancho e a macroprolactinemia. O efeito gancho se caracteriza pela presença de níveis falsamente baixos de prolactina (PRL), quando se empregam imunoensaios de dois sítios em pacientes com grandes prolactinomas e hiperprolactinemia muito acentuada. O efeito gancho pode ser identificado através de uma nova dosagem da PRL após diluição do soro a 1:100, quando se observará um aumento dramático do valor da PRL. Ele deve ser excluído em qualquer paciente com um macroadenoma e níveis séricos de PRL <200ng/mL. A macroprolactinemia responde por cerca de 10% dos casos de hiperprolactinemia. Resulta de um excesso de PRL polimérica (macroprolactina ou big big prolactin), cuja biodisponibilidade é diminuída. Assim, a maioria dos pacientes com macroprolactinemia não apresenta os sintomas clássicos da hiperprolactinemia e habitualmente não requerem tratamento.

Diagnóstico e tratamento da acromegalia no Brasil

Acromegalia é uma doença debilitante e desfigurante que, se não controlada adequadamente, reduz a expectativa de vida do paciente. Complicações cardiovasculares e respiratórias representam as principais causas de morte nos acromegálicos. Atualmente, o diagnóstico é realizado de acordo com as diretrizes do consenso de 2000: ausência de supressão do GH para um valor <1ng/mL e IGF-1 elevado. Avanços em todas as modalidades terapêuticas têm ocorrido, propiciando o controle bioquímico da doença em um número cada vez maior de pacientes. Estudos prévios mostraram que a obtenção de níveis seguros de GH (GH médio <2,5ng/mL) e de IGF-1 normal reduz a taxa de mortalidade para o normal. Em 2002, foram publicadas diretrizes para o manejo da acromegalia, o qual envolve, muitas vezes, uma abordagem multidisciplinar. Neste artigo, fazemos uma avaliação crítica do que dispomos no Brasil para seguirmos as diretrizes estabelecidas nos consensos sobre diagnóstico e tratamento da acromegalia.