2015-08-01
Cushing's syndrome: An update on current pharmacotherapy and future directions
Publication
Publication
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy , Volume 16 - Issue 12 p. 1829- 1844
Introduction: Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is characterized by chronic overproduction of cortisol and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. It can be caused by a pituitary adenoma, ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production or primary adrenal disease. Successful tumor-directed surgery is the keystone treatment. When surgery is unsuccessful, contraindicated or in case of acute disease, pharmacotherapy is indicated to treat hypercortisolism.Areas covered: In this review, pharmacotherapeutic options for CS will be covered discussing the different possible targets, that is: i) inhibition of ACTH secretion; ii) suppression of steroidogenesis; and iii) blockade of cortisol effects at tissue level. Preclinical and clinical studies will be discussed considering mono- and combination therapy, taking into account efficacy, toxicity and mechanism of action. Per CS entity, future directions of pharmacotherapies will be addressed.Expert opinion: The number of medical treatment options for CS has increased in the past years. In contrast to decades ago, prospective trials are now being performed focusing on pituitary-directed drugs like pasireotide, the glucocorticoid receptor blocker mifepristone and 'new generation' steroid synthesis inhibitors. Future studies will focus on tumor-shrinking effects of neuromodulatory drugs, the optimal order and combination of pharmacotherapy, long-term efficacy and safety and new targets for medical treatment of CS.
Additional Metadata | |
---|---|
, , , , | |
doi.org/10.1517/14656566.2015.1061995, hdl.handle.net/1765/81478 | |
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy | |
Organisation | Department of Internal Medicine |
Creemers, S., Hofland, L., Lamberts, S., & Feelders, R. (2015). Cushing's syndrome: An update on current pharmacotherapy and future directions. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy (Vol. 16, pp. 1829–1844). doi:10.1517/14656566.2015.1061995 |