Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in a patient with disabling non-functioning pituitary adenoma

Pituitary. 2014 Jun;17(3):227-31. doi: 10.1007/s11102-013-0494-0.

Abstract

Non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) with higher proliferation index (WHO II) are often a therapeutical challenge. Low somatostatin receptor expression in these tumors usually prevents a treatment with somatostatin analogs. In 1996, a 55-year-old patient was referred due to right-sided headache. A pituitary macroadenoma with infiltration into the right cavernous sinus was diagnosed. There was no visual field deficit and the clinical and biochemical work up was consistent with a NFPA. The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Residual adenoma remained in the right cavernous sinus. Histologically, a null-cell adenoma with a high proliferation index was documented (MIB-1: 11.6%, WHO II). Somatostatin receptor autoradiography was performed in the surgical specimen showing a homogenous expression of sst2 receptors. Radiosurgery was completed with stable disease for 8 years. In 2004, the patient was diagnosed with an incomplete palsy of the right oculomotorius nerve and a significant increase in the volume of the adenoma in the right cavernous sinus. After a positive Octreoscan(®) the patient consented to an experimental therapy approach using Lutetium DOTATOC (3 × 200 mCi). The palsy of the oculomotorius nerve improved and remained stable until today (March 2013), the follow-up MRI scans demonstrated stable disease. This is the first case of a patient with a NFPA (WHO II) in whom PRRT successfully improved the local complications of the tumor for more than 8 years after ineffective surgery and gamma knife therapy. The determination of sst2 in vitro using autoradiography and in vivo by Octreoscan was instrumental to administer this therapy in a challenging situation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Octreotide / analogs & derivatives
  • Octreotide / therapeutic use
  • Ophthalmoplegia / etiology
  • Ophthalmoplegia / radiotherapy
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, Peptide / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / drug effects
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / radiation effects
  • Somatostatin / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Receptors, Peptide
  • Receptors, Somatostatin
  • Somatostatin
  • pentetreotide
  • Octreotide
  • Edotreotide