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Acromegaly: diagnostic challenges and individualized treatment
1Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism
|January 6, 2025
Summary
Diagnosing acromegaly is challenging, especially in early stages. This review highlights diagnostic difficulties and emphasizes individualized treatment strategies for growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly, caused by GH-secreting pituitary tumors, leads to multi-systemic issues.
- Delayed diagnosis is common, often presenting with advanced disease.
- Early or mild acromegaly poses diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic challenges in acromegaly.
- To discuss individualized therapeutic approaches for acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on acromegaly diagnosis and treatment.
- Emphasis on individualized patient care strategies.
Main Results:
- Clinical recognition requires increased awareness and education.
- IGF-1 measurement is key for biochemical diagnosis, with GH levels considered.
- Awareness of factors affecting GH/IGF-1 and assay performance is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Individualized treatment optimizes patient outcomes.
- Surgery is the preferred initial therapy, with medical options as adjuvant.
- Consideration of treatment pros/cons and response predictors is vital.
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