Pituitary tumors

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this article is to review current research in the treatment of pituitary tumors and summarize emerging medical, surgical and radiation-based therapies.

Recent findings: Existing medical agents such as dopamine agonists and somatostatin ligand receptors are being used in novel combinations to achieve biochemical remission for pituitary tumors and reduce tumor size. Advancements have also been made in surgery to improve tumor localization by use of intraoperative imaging and to reduce morbidities, such as cerebrospinal fluid leak, associated with transsphenoidal surgery. Finally, as radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary tumors gains more widespread use, long-term data is becoming available demonstrating its durability.

Summary: Although current therapeutics and treatment modalities have been in practice for several years, new applications of existing treatments continue to be developed and have potential to improve care for patients with pituitary tumors.