The use of mifepristone in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome.
Patients with endogenous hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome, have significant morbidity and increased mortality when inadequately treated. When surgical therapy has been unsuccessful other treatment modalities are necessary. Previously available therapies have limited effectiveness or significant toxicity. Mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, provides a novel approach to the treatment of hypercortisolism. It is rapidly absorbed, highly protein bound and has a long plasma half-life. Since it also serves as a progesterone receptor antagonist, mifepristone has been used in several other medical conditions. A recently published prospective trial of mifepristone therapy for Cushing's syndrome resulted in its recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in Cushing's syndrome.
Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Menomonee Falls, WI, USA. tcarroll@mcw.edu
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Findling
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D015735:Mifepristone