Temozolomide responsiveness in aggressive corticotroph tumours: a case report and review of the literature

AK Annamalai, AF Dean, N Kandasamy, K Kovacs…�- Pituitary, 2012 - Springer
AK Annamalai, AF Dean, N Kandasamy, K Kovacs, H Burton, DJ Halsall, AS Shaw…
Pituitary, 2012Springer
Abstract Pituitary carcinoma occurs in~ 0.2% of resected pituitary tumours and carries a poor
prognosis (mean survival< 4 years), with standard chemotherapy regimens showing limited
efficacy. Recent evidence suggests that temozolomide (TMZ), an orally-active alkylating
agent used principally in the management of glioblastoma, may also be effective in
controlling aggressive/invasive pituitary adenomas/carcinomas. A low level of expression of
the DNA-repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) predicts TMZ�…
Abstract
Pituitary carcinoma occurs in ~0.2% of resected pituitary tumours and carries a poor prognosis (mean survival <4�years), with standard chemotherapy regimens showing limited efficacy. Recent evidence suggests that temozolomide (TMZ), an orally-active alkylating agent used principally in the management of glioblastoma, may also be effective in controlling aggressive/invasive pituitary adenomas/carcinomas. A low level of expression of the DNA-repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) predicts TMZ responsiveness in glioblastomas, and a similar correlation has been observed in the majority of aggressive pituitary adenomas/carcinomas reported to date. Here, we report a case of a silent pituitary corticotroph adenoma, which subsequently re-presented with Cushing’s syndrome due to functioning hepatic metastases. The tumour exhibited low immunohistochemical MGMT expression in both primary (pituitary) and secondary (hepatic) lesions. Initial TMZ therapy (200�mg/m� for 5�days every 28�days—seven cycles) resulted in marked clinical, biochemical [>50% fall in adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)] and radiological [partial RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors) response] improvements. The patient then underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. However, despite reintroduction of TMZ therapy (further eight cycles) ACTH levels plateaued and no further radiological regression was observed. We review the existing literature reporting TMZ efficacy in pituitary corticotroph tumours, and highlight the pointers/lessons for treating aggressive pituitary neoplasia that can be drawn from experience of susceptibility and evolving resistance to TMZ therapy in glioblastoma. Possible strategies for mitigating resistance developing during TMZ treatment of pituitary adenomas/carcinomas are also considered.
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