Recent developments in the therapy of acromegaly

Abstract

Acromegaly, a condition due to growth hormone hypersecretion usually from a benign pituitary tumour, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Disease control leads to normalisation of life expectancy with a reduction in signs and symptoms. Treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy and medical management. Surgery is the primary treatment in most of the patients, with success rates of 61 – 91% reported for those with microadenomas who are operated on by a specialist pituitary surgeon; however, most patients have macroadenomas and, although benefiting from surgery, are not cured and require additional medical therapy. This review will focus on emerging concepts in the medical treatment of acromegaly.

Keywords::

• acromegaly
• growth hormone
• insulin-like growth factor-1