Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Volume 23, Supplement 1 , Pages S15-S22, December 2009

3 Rationale for treatment and therapeutic options in Cushing's disease

  • Paul M. Stewart

      Affiliations

    • Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Clinical & Experimental Medicine, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationPaul M. Stewart, FRCP, FMedSci. Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Clinical & Experimental Medicine, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. Tel.: +44 1214158708; fax: +44 1214158811
    • ,
  • Stephan Petersenn

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endocrinology and Division of Laboratory Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Stephan Petersenn, MD. Tel.: +49 201 7232854; fax: +49 201 7235976

Cushing's disease results from prolonged overexposure of tissues to endogenous glucocorticoids, secondary to adrenocorticotrophin excess from the pituitary. Common clinical signs and symptoms include weight gain, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Effective treatment of Cushing's disease can normalize biochemical levels, reverse comorbidities, and improve overall survival and quality of life. Treatment options include pituitary or adrenal surgery, radiotherapy, and various medical therapies, but each has important limitations. Medical therapies that effectively target the pituitary tumour are urgently needed.

Keywords:  Cushing's syndrome , Cushing's disease , adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) , pituitary

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PII: S1521-690X(09)70004-1

doi:10.1016/S1521-690X(09)70004-1

Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Volume 23, Supplement 1 , Pages S15-S22, December 2009

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