Radiotherapy Techniques for Pituitary Gland Adenomas: A Practical View for Clinicians

Aim: To give physicians in the field of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine a glance about the current treatment of secretory (SPA) and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFA) focusing on the role of radiotherapy (RT), its principles and indications, and the perspectives of novel irradiation techniques.

Background: Pituitary gland adenomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Due to the variety of clinical sequelae they produce, treatment options range from observation, medical therapy or surgical resection depending on the biochemical profile and clinical status of the patient. In case of incomplete surgical resection, tumor recurrence or unresponsiveness to medical treatment, radiotherapy and radiosurgery are commonly offered as adjuvant therapies.

Materials and Methods: The latest systematic reviews, primary studies and new diagnostic and treatment guidelines on pituitary gland adenomas were analyzed. Clinical outcomes together with the technical aspects and the role of RT were also evaluated.

Results: New data are available about local therapies with radiotherapy. Radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy play an important role in the management of patients with pituitary adenomas.

Conclusions: This article provides an exhaustive review of the current literature about treatment with different radiotherapy techniques.