Bromocriptine-responsive supersellar germinoma with the expression of dopamine receptors: A case report
Yu Peng Wu1, Yi Bao Wang2, Zhe Bao Wu3
12nd Department of Neurosurgery, Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital, Shenyang, 110016, China.
Background:
Germinomas are sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, there has been no report involving in the potential therapeutic effect of dopamine agonists (DAs) such as bromocriptine on germinomas.
Case Description:
A 20-year-old female was presented with bitemporal visual disturbance and amenorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a huge sellar tumor with upward extension and invasion of the parasellar region. The blood tests showed an exceedingly high level of prolactin. A sellar tumor with hyperprolactinemia was diagnosed, and bromocriptine was initially given. After three months, the tumor volume had been obviously decreased by 82%. However, the tumor re-grew after ten months and the endoscopic endonasal surgery was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination indicated the patient had a pure sellar germinoma. The tumor cells strongly expressed dopamine 2 receptor and dopamine 5 receptor, which located in the membrane and cytoplasm.
Conclusions:
The transient but significant partial responsiveness of germinoma to bromocriptine treatment in this patient is a novel discovery, suggesting that DAs may be a potential therapeutic choice for tumors with the expression of dopamine 2/5 receptors.
Insights
Dopamine agonists like bromocriptine show potential in treating sellar germinomas, particularly those expressing dopamine receptors. This offers a novel therapeutic avenue for these rare brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Germinomas are typically treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- The therapeutic potential of dopamine agonists (DAs) on germinomas remains unexplored.
Observation:
- A patient with a sellar tumor and hyperprolactinemia was treated with bromocriptine.
- Bromocriptine initially caused an 82% tumor volume reduction.
- Tumor regrowth occurred, necessitating surgery; histopathology confirmed pure sellar germinoma expressing dopamine 2 and 5 receptors.
Findings:
- Germinoma cells expressed dopamine 2 and 5 receptors.
- Bromocriptine demonstrated transient, significant tumor shrinkage.
Implications:
- Dopamine agonists may represent a novel therapeutic option for germinomas expressing dopamine 2/5 receptors.
- This suggests a potential targeted therapy approach for specific germinoma subtypes.
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