Radiation therapy in acromegaly

Abstract

Radiation therapy is generally not a primary treatment modality for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas. However, in patients with acromegaly refractory to medical and/or surgical interventions, radiation can offer durable tumor control and often biochemical remission. Technique of radiation therapy delivery and dose vary by adenoma size and extrasellar extension. Radiation can be delivered in a single sitting by stereotactic radiosurgery or in fractionated form of smaller doses delivered over typically 5-6 weeks in 25-30 treatments. A brief overview of forms of radiation modalities is reviewed followed by discussion of the role for radiation therapy, rationale of delivery method, and potential adverse effects.