Current Insights into Pasireotide Therapy for Uncontrolled Acromegaly: Biochemical Response, Tumor Reduction, and Glycemic Safety in a Real-World Latin American Cohort.
Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder caused mainly by GH-secreting pituitary adenomas, leading to excess GH and elevated IGF-1. Although surgery is first-line therapy, many patients require medical treatment, and remission is often not achieved with first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). Pasireotide, a second-generation SRL, offers superior biochemical and tumor control but is associated with hyperglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate real-world outcomes associated with pasireotide treatment in patients with acromegaly inadequately controlled on first-generation SRLs, with IGF-1 normalization as the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included GH control, tumor response, and glycemic safety.
We conducted a historical cohort study of adults with acromegaly treated at Clínica Imbanaco (Cali, Colombia) between 2017 and 2024. Eligible patients had residual tumors and persistently elevated GH and/or IGF-1 levels above the age-adjusted upper limit of normal despite treatment with clinically adequate doses of first-generation SRLs, as well as 12 months of continuous pasireotide treatment and follow-up after pasireotide initiation. Demographic, biochemical, imaging, and glycemic data were collected. Statistical analysis included paired and independent Student's t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, McNemar's test, and Fisher's exact test, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Fourteen patients (50% female; mean age 52.1 ± 14.5 years) were included. After 12 months, mean IGF-1 decreased from 2.73 ± 0.73 to 0.99 ± 0.56 × ULN, and 50% achieved IGF-1 normalization. Additionally, 35.7% achieved GH < 1 ng/mL, and 14.3% achieved combined control. Mean tumor diameter decreased by -3.26 mm (95% CI -4.56 to -1.95; p < 0.001). HbA1c increased from 5.56% to 6.05%, while type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence rose from 14.3% to 35.7%. No patient discontinued pasireotide due to metabolic adverse events.
Pasireotide was associated with favorable biochemical and tumor responses in patients with acromegaly inadequately controlled on first-generation SRLs under real-world conditions. Although treatment was associated with higher HbA1c and increased diabetes incidence, proactive monitoring and early management of hyperglycemia may have supported treatment persistence.
We conducted a historical cohort study of adults with acromegaly treated at Clínica Imbanaco (Cali, Colombia) between 2017 and 2024. Eligible patients had residual tumors and persistently elevated GH and/or IGF-1 levels above the age-adjusted upper limit of normal despite treatment with clinically adequate doses of first-generation SRLs, as well as 12 months of continuous pasireotide treatment and follow-up after pasireotide initiation. Demographic, biochemical, imaging, and glycemic data were collected. Statistical analysis included paired and independent Student's t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, McNemar's test, and Fisher's exact test, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Fourteen patients (50% female; mean age 52.1 ± 14.5 years) were included. After 12 months, mean IGF-1 decreased from 2.73 ± 0.73 to 0.99 ± 0.56 × ULN, and 50% achieved IGF-1 normalization. Additionally, 35.7% achieved GH < 1 ng/mL, and 14.3% achieved combined control. Mean tumor diameter decreased by -3.26 mm (95% CI -4.56 to -1.95; p < 0.001). HbA1c increased from 5.56% to 6.05%, while type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence rose from 14.3% to 35.7%. No patient discontinued pasireotide due to metabolic adverse events.
Pasireotide was associated with favorable biochemical and tumor responses in patients with acromegaly inadequately controlled on first-generation SRLs under real-world conditions. Although treatment was associated with higher HbA1c and increased diabetes incidence, proactive monitoring and early management of hyperglycemia may have supported treatment persistence.
Authors
Abreu Lomba Abreu Lomba, Vernaza Trujillo Vernaza Trujillo, Tafur Monje Tafur Monje, Rivera-MartĂnez Rivera-MartĂnez, MejĂa VĂ©lez MejĂa VĂ©lez, Izquierdo-Condoy Izquierdo-Condoy
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