The etiology, clinical features and medical treatment of somatotroph adenomas

Abstract

Somatotroph adenomas lead to hypersecretion of growth hormones (GH) and may cause mass effects. Patients with somatotroph adenomas may present with acral and soft tissue enlargement, joint pain, heart and respiratory failure, diabetes mellitus and hypertension, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore important in prolonging life and improving quality of life. Recent studies depicted the landscape of genetic and epigenetic changes in sporadic somatotroph adenomas. New approaches are being developed for genetic testing, diagnosis and surveillance, which are helpful in early diagnosis, treatment and disease control of somatotroph adenomas. Data suggest that patients with somatotroph adenomas are best treated with multidisciplinary teams composed of neuro-endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists. This mini-review summarizes in a concise way the up-to-date discussion on the etiology, new diagnostic techniques and novel treatments of somatotroph adenomas.

Keywords

somatotroph adenomas / growth hormone (GH) / somatic mutation / apparent genetics / treatment / management