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Published on: January 17, 2018
Microsatellite instability analysis in pituitary adenomas
Mateusz Bujko1, Paulina Kober1, Joanna Zbijewska1
1Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.
Objective:
Mutator phenotypes with microsatellite instability (MSI) are observed in a subset of solid tumors including those localized in the brain. MSI arises from impaired DNA mismatch repair. It can be a potential marker of resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, as demonstrated for several cancer types. Our study aims are to investigate MSI incidence in pituitary adenomas (PA) with a currently recommended methodology.
Methods:
DNA was obtained from 107 patients with PA of which 83 adenomas were nonfunctioning, 13 somatotrophic, 9 lactotrophic and 2 corticotrophic. These were examined for MSI status by PCR and capillary electrophoresis using five quasimonomorphic microsatellite markers: BAT25, BAT26, NR21, NR24 and NR27; in accordance to current Bethesda guidelines.
Results And Conclusion:
No microsatellite instability was detected in the tumor samples thus implying the lack of any clinical usefulness of MSI testing in PA cases.
Insights
Microsatellite instability (MSI) was not detected in pituitary adenomas (PA). This finding suggests that MSI testing has no clinical utility for PA cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Microsatellite instability (MSI) is linked to impaired DNA mismatch repair and observed in various solid tumors.
- MSI can indicate resistance to radiation and chemotherapy in several cancer types.
- Pituitary adenomas (PA) are tumors originating from the pituitary gland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of MSI in pituitary adenomas (PA).
- To evaluate the potential clinical utility of MSI testing in PA management.
Main Methods:
- DNA analysis was performed on 107 PA patient samples.
- MSI status was assessed using PCR and capillary electrophoresis.
- Five quasimonomorphic microsatellite markers (BAT25, BAT26, NR21, NR24, NR27) were employed, following Bethesda guidelines.
Main Results:
- No microsatellite instability (MSI) was detected in any of the analyzed pituitary adenoma samples.
- The study found a 0% incidence rate for MSI in the cohort.
Conclusions:
- The absence of MSI in pituitary adenomas indicates a lack of clinical usefulness for MSI testing in these tumors.
- Further research may explore other molecular markers for PA prognosis or treatment response.

