Prolactinomas.
Identifying the correct cause of hyperprolactinemia is crucial for treatment. Prolactinoma is the most common pathologic cause of hyperprolactinemia. Dopamine agonists are efficacious in about 80% to 90% of patients with prolactinoma, leading to reduction of serum prolactin levels and tumor dimensions. Neurosurgery, mainly by the transsphenoidal route, is indicated in cases of intolerant and resistant dopamine agonists. Radiotherapy is rarely used because of its side effects and low efficacy. The alkylating agent temozolomide showed efficacy for treatment of aggressive and resistant prolactinomas. Other approaches, such as thyrosine kinase inhibitors, are currently being tested and could be an additional tool for these troublesome tumors.
Neuroendocrine Unit, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, Rua Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo CEP 05403-000, Brazil.
Andrea
A
Glezer
Neuroendocrine Unit, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology LIM-25, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, Rua Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo CEP 05403-000, Brazil. Electronic address: mdbronstein@uol.com.br.
Marcello D
MD
Bronstein
D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
Dopaminergic agonists; Hyperprolactinemia; Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; Infertility; Pituitary tumors; Prolactin; Prolactinoma