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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
New treatment guidelines on Cushing's disease
Giorgio Arnaldi1, Marco Boscaro
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche Region 60100 Ancona Italy.
Rapid Cushing's disease treatment is crucial. While surgery is preferred, new pituitary tumor drugs like cabergoline and pasireotide offer hope for persistent or recurrent cases, though their clinical impact requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cushing's disease requires prompt treatment to mitigate long-term health risks.
- Selective transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy is the primary surgical approach.
- Suboptimal cure rates and high recurrence rates necessitate alternative treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging treatment options for Cushing's disease.
- To evaluate the role of medical therapies in managing persistent or recurrent disease.
- To highlight novel pharmacological agents in pituitary tumor treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Cushing's disease management.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for surgical, radiological, and medical interventions.
- Discussion of the potential clinical utility of new pituitary tumor-directed drugs.
Main Results:
- Selective transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy has limitations regarding long-term cure and recurrence.
- Repeat surgery, radiotherapy, and bilateral adrenalectomy are options for refractory cases.
- Medical treatments, including cabergoline and pasireotide, are emerging as second-line or adjunctive therapies.
Conclusions:
- Cushing's disease management is complex, demanding a multidisciplinary and personalized approach.
- Novel pituitary tumor-directed drugs show promise but require further clinical validation.
- Cost-benefit analyses are essential for optimizing patient management strategies.
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