Quinagolide in the management of prolactinoma.
OBJECTIVE
This study reports a six year experience with quinagolide (CV205-502) in the treatment of 40 patients with hyperprolactinemia or prolactinoma.


METHODS
Forty patients with hyperprolactinemia were treated with quinagolide (CV 205-502, Norprolac) for 2-72 months (mean 31.6 months). The patient's ages ranged from 12 to 53 years and 90% were female. Seventeen had no radiologic evidence of tumor; 11 had microadenomas; and 12 had macroadenomas.


RESULTS
All patients had a reduction of the serum prolactin following quinagolide therapy with normalization in 82% with no tumor, 73% with microadenomas, and 67% with macroadenomas. Fifty-five percent of microadenoma and 75% of macroadenoma patients had a decrease in tumor size when assessed by a blinded reviewer. Ten of 38 female patients became pregnant while taking quinagolide. The dosage of quinagolide ranged from 75 to 400 [mgr]g/day with a median dose of 100[mgr]g/day. A comparison of side effects in a subgroup of 35 patients who had taken bromocriptine prior to quinagolide administration showed a greater than 75% reduction in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness during quinagolide administration.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that quinagolide is a safe and effective long-term alternative to bromocriptine therapy, particularly in those individuals with bromocriptine intolerance.
Schultz
P N
PN
Section of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
Ginsberg
L
L
McCutcheon
I E
IE
Samaan
N
N
Leavens
M
M
Gagel
R F
RF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; C046650:quinagolide; D011388:Prolactin