[Drug therapy for acromegaly]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Acromegaly results from prolonged overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
• This condition is linked to significant comorbidities and elevated mortality rates.
• Diagnosis is often delayed despite characteristic clinical signs and advanced diagnostic methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of medical treatment strategies for acromegaly.
• To highlight the importance of multidisciplinary team management in treating acromegaly.
• To discuss therapies aimed at controlling tumor growth, normalizing hormone levels, and reducing mortality.

Main Methods:

• Review of current medical management options for acromegaly.
• Discussion of pharmacological agents including dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogues, and GH receptor antagonists.
• Consideration of radiotherapy as a treatment modality.

Main Results:

• Medical therapies can effectively reduce or control tumor growth and inhibit GH hypersecretion.
• Normalization of insulin-like growth factor-1 levels is achievable with appropriate treatment.
• Effective management of comorbidities and reduction in mortality are key outcomes of successful therapy.

Conclusions:

• Medical management is a cornerstone in treating acromegaly, alongside surgery and radiotherapy.
• Multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
• Targeted therapies aim to normalize IGF-1 levels and improve overall prognosis.