Prolactinoma medical therapy: Difference between revisions
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Rarely, radiation therapy is used if medical therapy and surgery fail to reduce prolactin levels. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, radiation is delivered in low doses over the course of 5 to 6 weeks or in a single high dose. [[Radiation]] therapy is effective about 30 percent of the time. | Rarely, radiation therapy is used if medical therapy and surgery fail to reduce prolactin levels. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, radiation is delivered in low doses over the course of 5 to 6 weeks or in a single high dose. [[Radiation]] therapy is effective about 30 percent of the time. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 14:05, 11 September 2015
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Prolactinoma Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Prolactinoma medical therapy On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Prolactinoma medical therapy |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Prolactinoma medical therapy |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]
Overview
Medical therapy for prolactinoma includes dopamine agonists. Dopamine is the chemical that normally inhibits prolactin secretion. The goal of treatment is to:
- Return prolactin secretion to normal
- Reduce tumor size
- Correct any visual abnormalities
- Restore normal pituitary function
Medical Therapy
Medical therapy for prolactinoma includes dopamine agonists (bromocriptine or cabergoline).
Bromocriptine: 25 mg PO OD for 1 week
The dose is gradually increased every 3 to 7 days as needed and taken in divided doses with meals or at bedtime with a snack. Most people are successfully treated with 7.5 mg a day or less, although some people need 15 mg or more each day.
Cabergoline: .25 mg PO twice a week
The dose may be increased every 4 weeks as needed, up to 1 mg two times a week.
These drugs shrink the tumor and return prolactin levels to normal in approximately 80 percent of patients. Both drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia.
Radiation Therapy
Rarely, radiation therapy is used if medical therapy and surgery fail to reduce prolactin levels. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, radiation is delivered in low doses over the course of 5 to 6 weeks or in a single high dose. Radiation therapy is effective about 30 percent of the time.