Bromocriptine therapy for the treatment of invasive prolactinoma: the single institute experience

The objective of this study was to describe and characterize the clinical course of treatment for invasive prolactinoma patients using bromocriptine.

The study group included 23 patients who were treated with bromocriptine for their invasive prolactinomas. Clinical histories, serum prolactin level and pituitary hormone assessments, tumor diameter and signal intensity on sella magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), visual field exams and the dosage of medications were reviewed for each patient.

During 30 months (median, range 6-99) of follow-up period, 19 patients treated with bromocriptine alone achieved biochemical remission. Four patients changed the medication to cabergoline due to the adverse effects or observed resistance of bromocriptine treatment. All of five patients who had visual symptoms improved after the course of medication. Four surgically treated patients were not able to discontinue medication because they could not maintain biochemical remission state without medication. Multivariate analysis showed that decreased enhancement on the initial followed MRI after medication and longer follow-up periods were associated with higher radiologic response.

We reassure that the dopamine agonist is safe and effective for the treatment of invasive pituitary adenomas. Meanwhile, surgery has a limited role on biochemical remission. Decreased enhancement on the initial follow-up MRI after medication may reflect the treatment response. Further study is required to validate the role of MRI or other factors on the actual prognosis.