[Advances in the treatment of acromegaly].

Abstract

Acromegaly is a slow developing chronic debilitating disease caused by a growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary adenoma. The clinical consequences of acromegaly result both from excess GH secretion and from mass effect of the pituitary tumour. The disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared to normal population. Currently available therapies for acromegaly are transsphenoidal surgery, radiotherapy and medical therapy. The last includes dopamine agonists, slow release formulation of somatostatin analogues and pegvisomant, a GH-receptor antagonist. All these forms of treatment attempt to control the disease by reducing GH secretion from the tumour and inhibiting the growth of adenoma. The decision concerning the choice of therapy should depend on age, the severity of acromegaly and the presence of its complications and should also consider the dangers associated with each treatment. This review paper summarizes the contemporary treatment of acromegaly with special emphasis on their established benefits and risks.

• Authors: Robert Krysiak, Bogusław Okopień, Bogdan Marek
• Journal: Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego (Pol Merkur Lekarski) Vol. 24 Issue 139 Pg. 59-65 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 1426-9686 [Print] Poland
• Vernacular Title: Postepy w leczeniu akromegalii.
• PMID: 18634256 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Somatotropin
• Human Growth Hormone
• Somatostatin
• pegvisomant

Topics

• Acromegaly (etiology, therapy)
• Adenoma (complications, therapy)
• Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma (complications, therapy)
• Human Growth Hormone (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Receptors, Somatotropin (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Somatostatin (analogs & derivatives)