Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Novel medical therapies for pituitary tumors

M Theodoropoulou, M Labeur, M Paez Pereda

    Frontiers of Hormone Research
    |July 10, 2010
    PubMed

    Insights

    New drug research offers hope for treating pituitary tumors, especially hormone-inactive adenomas and corticotroph tumors, where current medical options are limited. These findings may lead to future medical treatment strategies for resistant pituitary tumors.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Oncology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Pituitary tumors lack effective medical treatments, particularly hormone-inactive adenomas and corticotroph tumors.
    • Surgical debulking and radiotherapy are current primary treatments, but resistance is common even for treatable adenomas.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review preclinical and clinical data on drugs targeting pituitary tumors.
    • To explore novel medical treatment strategies for pituitary tumors, addressing treatment resistance and unmet needs.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
    • Analysis of drug efficacy in suppressing hormone secretion and tumor growth.

    Main Results:

    • Various drugs demonstrate hormone and growth-suppressive effects in preclinical and clinical settings.
    • Evidence suggests potential for novel therapeutic approaches for pituitary tumors.

    Conclusions:

    • Further research into drug actions is crucial for developing new medical treatments for pituitary tumors.
    • These findings pave the way for future medical treatment concepts for pituitary tumors, including resistant types.

    More Related Videos

    Glioblastoma Relapse Post-Resection Model for Therapeutic Hydrogel Investigations04:46

    Glioblastoma Relapse Post-Resection Model for Therapeutic Hydrogel Investigations

    Published on: February 24, 2023

    A Simple Guide Screw Method for Intracranial Xenograft Studies in Mice08:11

    A Simple Guide Screw Method for Intracranial Xenograft Studies in Mice

    Published on: September 26, 2011

    Related Concept Videos

    Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

    Tumor Immunotherapy

    Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
    Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

    Targeted Cancer Therapies

    The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
    There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
    Cancer Therapies02:49

    Cancer Therapies

    Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
    However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
    The Pituitary Gland01:17

    The Pituitary Gland

    The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
    Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

    Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

    Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
    Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

    Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

    The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
    The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...