Related Experiment Videos
Glycoprotein-secreting pituitary adenomas
1Clinical Research Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Bailliere'S Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Pituitary tumors producing glycoproteins like TSH, LH, and FSH are increasingly recognized. While often clinically non-functioning, they can cause mass effects and hypopituitarism, requiring surgery and potentially radiation or medical therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glycoprotein pituitary tumors (TSH, LH, FSH, alpha subunit) were once considered rare.
- Modern immunocytochemical and molecular techniques reveal increased frequency of these tumors.
- Many tumors produce subunits alongside intact glycoproteins, often with low hormone output relative to size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the increasing recognition and clinical management of glycoprotein-producing pituitary tumors.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for these adenomas.
- To discuss the efficacy of current and experimental therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunocytochemical and molecular biology techniques for tumor identification.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, hormone levels, and tumor characteristics.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes including surgery, radiation, and medical therapies (dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogues, GnRH antagonists).
Main Results:
- Gonadotrophin (LH/FSH) and alpha subunit tumors constitute the majority of clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas.
- These tumors typically present as mass lesions causing hypopituitarism, rather than specific hormonal syndromes.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreting tumors are rare, often presenting with hyperthyroidism and mass effects, and frequently co-secrete alpha subunit.
Conclusions:
- Glycoprotein pituitary tumors are more common than previously thought and require tailored management.
- Transsphenoidal surgery followed by radiation is the primary treatment for residual disease.
- Medical therapies, including somatostatin analogues for TSH tumors and potential GnRH antagonists for gonadotrophin tumors, show promise but require further investigation.