Regression of pituitary tumors, a possible effect of bromergocryptine

Abstract

With the advent of the prolactin radioimmunoassay and more sensitive methods of roentgenologic examination, prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors are now being diagnosed with much greater frequency. Definitive treatment has been considered to involve transphenoidal hypophysectomy. The symptoms of hyperprolactinemia including amenorrhea, galactorrhea and infertility can usually be controlled without difficulty by bromergocryptine therapy, but little is known regarding continued tumor growth. Bromergocryptine and other ergot alkaloids have been shown to decrease the production of prolactin and to inhibit the rate of pituitary tumor growth in animal studies. In man, evidence for a similar effect is not as clear. The present study demonstrates tumor regression associated with bromergocryptine therapy in two patients.