Treatment, and retreatment, of Cushing's disease
Article Abstract:
Radiation therapy in combination with ketoconazole drug therapy appears to be the second best choice after a failed surgery in treating patients with Cushing's disease. Pituitary tumors called corticotroph adenomas are surgically found in nearly 80% of patients with Cushing's disease and most are removed successfully. One study of 30 patients with Cushing's disease treated with radiation therapy and ketoconazole after failed surgeries found that 25 were free of disease characteristics, most within two years of treatment. There may be additional complications with repeated or alternative surgeries.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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Treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism
Article Abstract:
All patients with hyperparathyroidism should be offered surgery. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by excessive levels of parathyroid hormone, which in turn causes high calcium levels. In 1991, a group of experts reported that many patients with hyperparathyroidism who have no symptoms may not need surgery. However, a 1999 study of patients who had hyperparathyroidism but no symptoms found that the disease got worse in those who did not have surgery. But those who did have surgery experienced increases in bone mass and a lower risk of kidney stones.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
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Treatment of acromegaly
Article Abstract:
More research is needed to find effective ways to treat acromegaly. Acromegaly is caused by excessive blood levels of growth hormone. A study published in 2000 showed that the drug pegvisomant was effective in reducing the symptoms of acromegaly. Pegvisomant is an altered form of growth hormone that blocks the action of the natural hormone. However, the consequences of long-term blockade of growth hormone are not known. In addition, because the drug is a protein, some patients might produce antibodies against it that block its activity.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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