The Efficacy of Conventional Radiation Therapy in The Management of Pituitary Adenoma

Authors

  • Putipun Puataweepong Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
  • Mantana Dhanachai Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
  • Puangtong Kraiphibul Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
  • Veerasak Theerapancharoen Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Lucksana Pochanugool Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
  • Somjai Dangprasert Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
  • Jiraporn Laothamatas Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
  • Suchart Phudhichareonrat Department of Pathology, Prasart hospital, Bangkok

Keywords:

Pituitary adenoma, Radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and late complication of conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in the management of patients with pituitary adenoma.

Materials and Methods: The study involved a retrospective review of 22 patients with pituitary adenoma treated at the Radiotherapy Unit in Ramathibodi hospital during September 1990 to December 20000. Of these 22 patients, 21 had received postoperative radiotherapy, and 1 had received radiotherapy alone. The median total dose was 54 (46-60) Gy. Affer treatment the patient were evaluated periodically by physical examination, imaging, and endocrine testing. The local control rate, overall survival and side effects were analyzed.

Result: Median follow-up time was 4.6 (0.6-9.7) years. Tumor control was achieved in 21 patients (95%). In 1 patient, recurrence of disease was diagnosed 6 years after radiotherapy and was salvaged by surgery. There were 2 deaths, 1 from CA head of pancreas and another from CVA. The 10 year overall survival rate was 91%. Hypopituitarism requiring hormonal replacement was observed in 55% of the patients and all except one had hypopituitarism since prior to radiation. In 1 patient receiving radiation alone, hypopituitarism was developed and hormonal replacement was started at 6 months after radiation. There was no brain necrosis, optic neuropathy or radiation induce secondary tumor in this study.

Conclusion: Conventional external radiotherapy was effective in long-term control of the pituitary adenoma and produced acceptably low complication rates.

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Published

2025-08-02

How to Cite

1.
Puataweepong P, Dhanachai M, Kraiphibul P, Theerapancharoen V, Pochanugool L, Dangprasert S, Laothamatas J, Phudhichareonrat S. The Efficacy of Conventional Radiation Therapy in The Management of Pituitary Adenoma. J Thai Assn of Radiat Oncol [internet]. 2025 Aug. 2 [cited 2025 Dec. 26];10(1-3):17-2. available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jtaro/article/view/281450

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