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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(10): 760-763
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253419
Short Communication

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

SOM230 (Pasireotide) and Temozolomide Achieve Sustained Control of Tumour Progression and ACTH Secretion in Pituitary Carcinoma with Widespread Metastases

H. Bode1 , M. Seiz2 , A. Lammert1 , M. A. Brockmann3 , W. Back4 , H.-P. Hammes1 , C. Thomé2
  • 1V. Medizinische Klinik, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer, Mannheim, Germany
  • 2Neurochirurgische Klinik, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer, Mannheim, Germany
  • 3Institut für Neuroradiologie, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer, Mannheim, Germany
  • 4Pathologisches Institut, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer, Mannheim, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 13.01.2010 first decision 25.02.2010

accepted 15.04.2010

Publication Date:
21 May 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Pituitary carcinomas are rare and neurosurgically challenging lesions, as they commonly relapse after surgical removal. Their prognosis is dismal due to their limited response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In recent studies, temozolomide was administered in very few patients with partial effects. We report a patient with an ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinoma and widespread intracranial, spinal and systemic metastases despite repeated surgical treatment, bilateral adrenalectomy, medical treatment and radiotherapy. Additionally to chemotherapy with temozolomide, the patient received SOM230 as salvage therapy with an improvement of the patient's clinical status, and a reduction of ACTH levels. After 12 months of combination therapy a sustained tumor control was achieved and persisted upon monotherapy with SOM230 for more than 9 months thereafter. Thus, temozolomide in combination with SOM230 seems to be promising in patients with ACTH-secreting metastasized pituitary carcinoma.

Key words

cancer - pituitary adenoma - Cushing - hormones

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Correspondence

Dr. H. Bode

V. Medizinische Klinik

Universitätsmedizin Mannheim

Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3

68167 Mannheim

Germany

Phone: +49/621/383 2317

Fax: +49/621/383 2159

Email: hinrich.bode@umm.de