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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Gamma knife radiosurgery for growth hormone-producing adenomas
Yoshiyasu Iwai1, Kazuhiro Yamanaka, Masaki Yoshimura
1Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka City General Hospital, 2-13-22, Miyakojima-hondohri, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka 534-0021, Japan. y-iwai@rc5.so-net.ne.jp
Summary
Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) offers a less invasive, cost-effective, long-term treatment for growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary adenomas, achieving remission in 38% of patients over a median of 84 months.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary adenomas are tumors that overproduce GH.
- Treatment aims to normalize GH levels and manage tumor growth.
- Current treatments include medication and surgery, each with limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the endocrinological outcomes of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) for GH-producing pituitary adenomas.
- To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of GKS in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 patients treated with GKS.
- Median follow-up of 84 months.
- Defined disease remission based on specific GH and IGF-1 levels without medication.
Main Results:
- A 38% remission rate was achieved (10/26 patients).
- 5-year and 10-year actuarial remission rates were 16.9% and 47.4%, respectively.
- Only 8% experienced hypopituitarism; no other serious deficits were observed.
Conclusions:
- GKS is a useful, long-term treatment for GH-producing pituitary adenomas, despite a delayed onset of remission.
- GKS presents a less invasive and potentially more cost-effective alternative to lifelong medication.
