scholarly journals Cushing’s disease: Does low-dose pasireotide offer a comparable efficacy and safety to high-dose?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mimi Wong ◽  
Usman H Malabu ◽  
Ipeson Korah ◽  
YongMong Tan
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Comparable Efficacy ◽  
High Dose ◽  
List Type ◽  
Residual Tumour ◽  
Biochemical Effect ◽  
Free Cortisol

Summary Whilst literature is expanding on pasireotide use in the management of Cushing’s disease (CD), there is still currently much unknown about long-term and low-dose pasireotide use in CD. We present a 60-year-old female with residual CD after transphenoidal surgery (TSS), being successfully managed with S.C. pasireotide for over 10 years. For 6 years, her S.C. pasireotide was inadvertently administered at 360 µg twice daily (BID), almost half the recommended dose of 600 µg BID. Despite the low-dose, her urinary free cortisol (UFC) normalised within 6 months and Cushingoid features resolved. She remained in biochemical and clinical remission on the same low-dose for 6 years, before a medication audit discovered her mistaken dose and directed her to take 600 µg BID. With the higher dose 600 µg BID for the next 5 years, her glycaemia worsened without any changes in her UFC and residual tumour volume. Our case showed the continuing effectiveness and safety of treatment with S.C. pasireotide for more than 10 years, and that a low-dose regimen may be considered an option for responders by its safety profile. Learning points A lower dose of pasireotide may be effective in the initial treatment of CD than the recommended 600 µg BID dosage, though more studies are required to explore this. Low-dose pasireotide use has the benefit of minimising adverse effects. In the long-term, pasireotide has a sustained clinical and biochemical effect and is well tolerated.

scholarly journals Fluconazole in the treatment of Cushing's disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kharis Burns ◽  
Darshika Christie-David ◽  
Jenny E Gunton
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Medical Management ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
List Type ◽  
First Line ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Free Cortisol

Summary Ketoconazole was a first-line agent for suppressing steroidogenesis in Cushing's disease. It now has limited availability. Fluconazole, another azole antifungal, is an alternative, although its in vivo efficacy is unclear. A 61-year-old female presented with weight gain, abdominal striae and worsening depression. HbA1c increased to 76 mmol/mol despite increasing insulin. Investigations confirmed cortisol excess; afternoon serum cortisol was 552 nmol/l with an inappropriate ACTH of 9.3 pmol/l. In total, 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC):creatinine ratio was 150 nmol/mmol with failure to suppress after 48 h of low-dose dexamethasone. Pituitary MRI revealed a 4-mm microadenoma. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling confirmed Cushing's disease. Transsphenoidal resection was performed and symptoms improved. However, disease recurred 6 months later with elevated 24-h UFC >2200 nmol/day. Metyrapone was commenced at 750 mg tds. Ketoconazole was later added at 400 mg daily, with dose reduction in metyrapone. When ketoconazole became unavailable, fluconazole 200 mg daily was substituted. Urine cortisol:creatinine ratio rose, and the dose was increased to 400 mg daily with normalisation of urine hormone levels. Serum cortisol and urine cortisol:creatinine ratios remain normal on this regimen at 6 months. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first case demonstrating prolonged in vivo efficacy of fluconazole in combination with low-dose metyrapone for the treatment of Cushing's disease. Fluconazole has a more favourable toxicity profile, and we suggest that it is a potential alternative for medical management of Cushing's disease. Learning points Surgery remains first line for the management of Cushing's disease with pharmacotherapy used where surgery is unsuccessful or there is persistence of cortisol excess. Ketoconazole has previously been used to treat cortisol excess through inhibition of CYP450 enzymes 11-β-hydroxylase and 17-α-hydroxylase, though its availability is limited in many countries. Fluconazole shares similar properties to ketoconazole, although it has less associated toxicity. Fluconazole represents a suitable alternative for the medical management of Cushing's disease and proved an effective addition to metyrapone in the management of this case.

scholarly journals Long-Term Control of Urinary Free Cortisol With Osilodrostat in Patients With Cushing’s Disease: Final Results From the LINC 2 Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A521-A522
Author(s):  
Maria Fleseriu ◽  
Beverly M K Biller ◽  
Jerome Bertherat ◽  
Jacques Young ◽  
Giorgio Arnaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Entire Treatment Period ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Abstract Introduction: During the 22-week core LINC 2 study, the oral 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor osilodrostat normalized mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) in 79% (15/19) of patients with Cushing’s disease. This report describes long-term LINC 2 efficacy and safety results following an optional extension. Methods: Patients receiving clinical benefit at week 22 could enter the extension (that ran until Oct 22, 2019), continuing the same osilodrostat dose; dose adjustments were permitted based on efficacy and safety. Response rate (mUFC ≤ULN [controlled] or mUFC >ULN but ≥50% decrease from baseline [BL; partially controlled]) was assessed over time. Efficacy/safety were assessed for all patients from core BL until study end. Results: Of 19 enrolled patients (female:male 14:5; mean [SD] age 36.8 years [8.4]), 16 entered the optional extension and 8 of them remained on treatment until study end. Median (range) osilodrostat exposure was 282 weeks (2-351). Mean mUFC decreased from BL (9.9 x ULN) to ≤ULN by week 4 and remained stable throughout the study. All 19 patients achieved mUFC ≤ULN at least once during the study. At each assessment up to month 70 of the extension phase, 50-88% of ongoing patients were controlled, and up to 18% were partially controlled. Mean percentage change in clinical signs from BL (mean [SD]) to last assessment were: fasting plasma glucose, -10.8% (22.1) (from BL: 105.6 mg/dL [49.2]); HbA1c, -2.1% (9.0) (from BL: 5.7% [0.7]); systolic BP, -3.3% (12.6) (from BL: 132.6 mmHg [11.6]); diastolic BP, -2.0% (10.4) (from BL: 85.0 mmHg [6.5]); BMI, -5.9% (8.8) (from BL: 30.7 kg/m2 [7.0]). Overall, 9 patients discontinued treatment (n=2 core and n=7 extension), mostly because of AEs or no longer requiring treatment (n=3 each). The most common AEs during the entire treatment period were nausea (n=10), adrenal insufficiency, and headache (both n=9). AEs related to hypocortisolism and adrenal hormone precursor accumulation occurred in 11 (mostly adrenal insufficiency, n=9) and 12 patients (mostly hypertension, n=4), respectively; most were grade 1/2 and managed with dose adjustment/interruption and/or concomitant medication. Mean (SD) plasma ACTH increased from 1.8 x ULN (0.9) at BL to 7.1 x ULN (12.3) at week 22 and 6.9 x ULN (12.6) at last assessment. Mean (SD) 11-deoxycortisol increased from 1.2 x ULN (1.3) at BL to 13.6 x ULN (12.2) at week 22 and 3.6 x ULN (4.2) at last assessment. In females, mean (SD) testosterone increased from 0.8 x ULN (0.4) at BL to 2.4 x ULN (2.1) at week 22 and 1.0 x ULN (0.9) at last assessment. Two patients, both female, reported an AE of hirsutism. Conclusions: Rapid reductions in mUFC were sustained for up to 6 years of osilodrostat treatment and were accompanied by improvements in clinical signs of hypercortisolism. Osilodrostat was well tolerated, with no new safety signals during long-term treatment.

scholarly journals Subtle Cognitive Impairments in Patients with Long-Term Cure of Cushing’s Disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 2699-2714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitske Tiemensma ◽  
Nieke E. Kokshoorn ◽  
Nienke R. Biermasz ◽  
Bart-Jan S. A. Keijser ◽  
Moniek J. E. Wassenaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
Irreversible Effects

Abstract Context and Objective: Active Cushing’s disease is associated with cognitive impairments. We hypothesized that previous hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing’s disease results in irreversible impairments in cognitive functioning. Therefore, our aim was to assess cognitive functioning after long-term cure of Cushing’s disease. Design: Cognitive assessment consisted of 11 tests, which evaluated global cognitive functioning, memory, and executive functioning. Patients and Control Subjects: We included 74 patients cured of Cushing’s disease and 74 controls matched for age, gender, and education. Furthermore, we included 54 patients previously treated for nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFMA) and 54 controls matched for age, gender, and education. Results: Compared with NFMA patients, patients cured from Cushing’s disease had lower scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (P = 0.001), and on the memory quotient of the Wechsler Memory Scale (P = 0.050). Furthermore, patients cured from Cushing’s disease tended to recall fewer words on the imprinting (P = 0.013), immediate recall (P = 0.012), and delayed recall (P = 0.003) trials of the Verbal Learning Test of Rey. On the Rey Complex Figure Test, patients cured from Cushing’s disease had lower scores on both trials (P = 0.002 and P = 0.007) compared with NFMA patients. Patients cured from Cushing’s disease also made fewer correct substitutions on the Letter-Digit Substitution Test (P = 0.039) and came up with fewer correct patterns on the Figure Fluency Test (P = 0.003) compared with treated NFMA patients. Conclusions: Cognitive function, reflecting memory and executive functions, is impaired in patients despite long-term cure of Cushing’s disease. These observations indicate irreversible effects of previous hypercortisolism on cognitive function and, thus, on the central nervous system. These observations may also be of relevance for patients treated with high-dose exogenous glucocorticoids.

How early can one diagnose Cushing’s disease? An early diagnosis in a case of prepubertal Cushing’s disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1043-1047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hoppmann ◽  
Isabel V. Wagner ◽  
Gudrun Junghans ◽  
Stefan A. Wudy ◽  
Michael Buchfelder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression Test ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Thyroid Function Tests ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Abstract Background: Cushing’s disease is very rare in children, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed by several years. Objective: We report a case of prepubertal Cushing’s disease with a medical history of only 9 months. This case illustrates the difficulties involved in diagnosing children at the early stage of the disease. Case presentation: An 8-year-old prepubertal boy presented with rapid weight gain accompanied by a decreasing growth velocity and hirsutism. Thyroid function tests and growth factor levels were normal, thus excluding hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency. Cushing’s syndrome was confirmed by elevated 24-h urinary free cortisol levels, increased diurnal cortisol levels, and a lack of cortisol suppression in the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Further tests to investigate the source of the hypercortisolism showed the following results: Basal morning adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was normal. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test led to a 51% decrease in cortisol level. In the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, ACTH and cortisol increased only by 28%. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finally revealed a microadenoma in the anterior pituitary, thus establishng the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. Upon diagnosis, the patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Histological analysis confirmed an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Conclusion: This case illustrates the difficulties associated with the clinical, biochemical, and radiological diagnoses of Cushing’s disease in children. Early diagnosis remains a challenge because test results often do not match standard diagnostic criteria.

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF LOW-DOSE EXTERNAL PITUITARY IRRADIATION FOR CUSHING'S DISEASE

1990 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. LITTLEY ◽  
S. M. SHALET ◽  
C. G. BEARDWELL ◽  
S. R. AHMED ◽  
M. L. SUTTON
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Pituitary Irradiation

scholarly journals Cabergoline monotherapy in the long-term treatment of Cushing's disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 163 (5) ◽  
pp. 709-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariane Godbout ◽  
Marcos Manavela ◽  
Karina Danilowicz ◽  
Hugues Beauregard ◽  
Oscar Domingo Bruno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Partial Response ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Dopamine Receptor Agonist ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Long Term Treatment

BackgroundCabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist used to treat prolactinomas. Identification of D2 receptors in corticotroph tumors led to clinical trials of cabergoline therapy in limited cases of Nelson's syndrome, ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors, and recently Cushing's disease (CD).ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term efficacy of cabergoline monotherapy in patients with CD.MethodsRetrospective analysis of non-randomized clinical therapy with cabergoline in 30 patients with CD treated in academic centers of Buenos Aires and Montreal. Cabergoline was initiated at 0.5–1.0 mg/week and adjusted up to a maximal dose of 6 mg/week based on urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels. Complete response to cabergoline was defined as a sustained normalization of UFC with at least two normal values measured at 1–3 months interval; partial response was defined as a decrease of UFC to <125% of the upper limit of normal, and treatment failure as UFC ≥125% of it.ResultsWithin 3–6 months, complete response was achieved in 11 patients (36.6%) and partial response in 4 patients (13.3%). After long-term therapy, nine patients (30%) remain with a complete response after a mean of 37 months (range from 12 to 60 months) with a mean dose of 2.1 mg/week of cabergoline. Two patients escaped after 2 and 5 years of complete response, but one patient transiently renormalized UFC after an increase in cabergoline dosage. No long-term response was maintained in four initial partial responders.ConclusionsCabergoline monotherapy can provide an effective long-term medical therapy for selected patients with CD, but requires close follow-up for dose adjustments.

scholarly journals Ketoconazole revisited: a preoperative or postoperative treatment in Cushing's disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Castinetti ◽  
I Morange ◽  
P Jaquet ◽  
B Conte-Devolx ◽  
T Brue
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Postoperative Treatment ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
In Series

ContextAlthough transsphenoidal surgery remains the first-line treatment in Cushing's disease (CD), recurrence is observed in about 20% of cases. Adjunctive treatments each have specific drawbacks. Despite its inhibitory effects on steroidogenesis, the antifungal drug ketoconazole was only evaluated in series with few patients and/or short-term follow-up.ObjectiveAnalysis of long-term hormonal effects and tolerance of ketoconazole in CD.DesignA total of 38 patients were retrospectively studied with a mean follow-up of 23 months (6–72).SettingAll patients were treated at the same Department of Endocrinology in Marseille, France.PatientsThe 38 patients with CD, of whom 17 had previous transsphenoidal surgery.InterventionKetoconazole was begun at 200–400 mg/day and titrated up to 1200 mg/day until biochemical remission.Main outcome measuresPatients were considered controlled if 24-h urinary free cortisol was normalized.ResultsFive patients stopped ketoconazole during the first week because of clinical or biological intolerance. On an intention to treat basis, 45% of the patients were controlled as were 51% of those treated long term. Initial hormonal levels were not statistically different between patients controlled or uncontrolled. Ketoconazole was similarly efficacious as a primary or postoperative treatment. Among 15 patients without visible adenoma at initial evaluation, subsequent follow-up allowed identification of the lesion in five cases. No adrenal insufficiency was observed. Adverse effects were rare in patients treated long term.ConclusionsKetoconazole is a safe and efficacious treatment in CD, particularly in patients for whom surgery is contraindicated, or delayed because of the absence of image of adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging.

scholarly journals Cabergoline for Cushing’s disease: a large retrospective multicenter study

2017 ◽  
Vol 176 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ferriere ◽  
C Cortet ◽  
P Chanson ◽  
B Delemer ◽  
P Caron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multicenter Study ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Plasma Prolactin ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Retrospective Multicenter Study

Objective The efficacy of cabergoline in Cushing’s disease (CD) is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of cabergoline in a large contemporary cohort of patients with CD. Design We conducted a retrospective multicenter study from thirteen French and Belgian university hospitals. Methods Sixty-two patients with CD received cabergoline monotherapy or add-on therapy. Symptom score, biological markers of hypercortisolism and adverse effects were recorded. Results Twenty-one (40%) of 53 patients who received cabergoline monotherapy had normal urinary free cortisol (UFC) values within 12 months (complete responders), and five of these patients developed corticotropic insufficiency. The fall in UFC was associated with significant reductions in midnight cortisol and plasma ACTH, and with clinical improvement. Compared to other patients, complete responders had similar median baseline UFC (2.0 vs 2.5xULN) and plasma prolactin concentrations but received lower doses of cabergoline (1.5 vs 3.5 mg/week, P < 0.05). During long-term treatment (>12 months), cabergoline was withdrawn in 28% of complete responders because of treatment escape or intolerance. Overall, sustained control of hypercortisolism was obtained in 23% of patients for 32.5 months (19–105). Nine patients on steroidogenesis inhibitors received cabergoline add-on therapy for 19 months (1–240). Hypercortisolism was controlled in 56% of these patients during the first year of treatment with cabergoline at 1.0 mg/week (0.5–3.5). Conclusions About 20–25% of CD patients are good responders to cabergoline therapy allowing long-term control of hypercortisolism at relatively low dosages and with acceptable tolerability. No single parameter, including the baseline UFC and prolactin levels, predicted the response to cabergoline.

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