Pituitary tumour therapy: using the biology.

Abstract

Pituitary tumours are benign but cause significant problems, both because of their compressive effects on brain structures and also because of the syndromes of hormone excess or deficiency that they can cause. Endocrine therapy has become increasingly successful, with the development of dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogues. Recently growth hormone receptor antagonists have been developed by modification of the GH molecule. It is likely that further advances based on our understanding of the biology will dramatically improve the treatment of these tumours.