Cancers, Vol. 15, Pages 496: Advances in Molecular Pathophysiology and Targeted Therapy for Cushing & rsquo;s Disease

Cancers, Vol. 15, Pages 496: Advances in Molecular Pathophysiology and Targeted Therapy for Cushing’s Disease Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers15020496 Authors: Shinobu Takayasu Kazunori Kageyama Makoto Daimon Cushing’s disease is caused by autonomous secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. As a result, excess cortisol production leads to the overt manifestation of the clinical features of Cushing’s syndrome. Severe complications have been reported in patients with Cushing’s disease, including hypertension, menstrual disorders, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, infections, and mental disorders. Cushing’s disease presents with a variety of clinical features, ranging from overt to subtle. In this review, we explain recent advances in molecular insights and targeted therapy for Cushing’s disease. The pathophysiological characteristics of hormone production and pituitary tumor cells are also explained. Therapies to treat the tumor growth in the pituitary gland and the autonomous hypersecretion of ACTH are discussed. Drugs that target corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors have been effective, including cabergoline, a dopamine receptor type 2 agonist, and pasireotide, a multi-receptor-targeted somatostatin analog. Some of the drugs that target adrenal hormones have shown potential therapeutic benefits. Advances in poten...
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research