[Acromegaly: new principles for treatment].
Acromegaly is a rare condition usually caused by a GH secreting pituitary tumor. Rigorous control of the disease is important in order to bring the mortality rate on level with that of the background population. Surgery is first choice, and it is sufficient in 50-60% of the patients. Treatment with a somatostatin analogue is second choice and normalises GH hypersecretion in 60% of the patients; tumor shrinkage occurs in 30%. A newly developed GH receptor antagonist, pegvisomant, seems to offer complete suppression of GH activity in most patients and also improves glucose tolerance. The disadvantages of pegvisomant include lack of suppression of tumor activity and a high cost.
Jørgensen
Jens Otto Lunde
JO
Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus, Medicinsk Afdeling M, Arhus C. jolj@dadlnet.dk
Feldt-Rasmussen
Ulla Friis
UF
Andersen
Marianne
M
Kristensen
Lars Østergård
LØ
Laurberg
Peter
P
Weeke
Jørgen
J
D000172:Acromegaly / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D013004:Somatostatin; C406545:pegvisomant