Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas - possibilities of medical treatment

Abstract

Clinically non-functioning adenomas represent about one third of pituitary tumors. Nowadays transsphenoidal neurosurgery is the treatment of choice for growing non-functioning adenomas.

However, complete tumor removal is quite often not possible. New analogs binding dopamine and somatostatin receptors are being developed to treat functioning pituitary tumors.

Current experiences with use of these analogs in the treatment of clinically non-functioning adenomas are reviewed.

Keywords

• pituitary adenoma
• clinically non-functioning adenoma
• dopamine agonist
• somatostatin analog
• dopamine receptor