About this Research Topic

Background

***Any submissions not solicited by the Topic Editors of this research topic will be removed. Please contact the Submissions Team at endocrinology.submissions@frontiersin.org for more information.***

Acromegaly is a rare but potentially devastating condition due to multiple comorbidities and increased mortality in uncontrolled patients. The diagnosis of acromegaly is often delayed, which may result in substantial morbidity and even mortality. Approximately half of the patients with growth hormone secreting tumors require multimodality treatment including surgery and medical treatment, and sometimes radiation. Several classes are available for medical treatment and ongoing clinical trials with new compounds are underway.

In recent years, significant progress was made in all aspects of acromegaly research including genetic and translational studies, clinical trials, and country-wide registries that allowed a better understanding of the epidemiology of acromegaly and its comorbidities. Biochemical and radiological predictors of postoperative remission were recognized, allowing identification of patients at risk for persistent disease who require heightened attention and additional treatment during follow-up. New medications were approved and predictors of the success of different medical therapies were identified. Patient-reported outcomes were included in clinical studies adding to the understanding of the disease burden.

This Research Topic on acromegaly will offer original data and new insights from experts worldwide. From the latest scientific research to the clinical arena, the collection will provide a global perspective on where we currently are and which paths will help us achieve customized care to individual patients.

Earlier diagnosis of this condition is needed in order to improve patient outcomes. In the era of precision medicine, acromegaly is an example of a multifaceted disease with complex pathophysiology and management. A large body of translational data has accumulated which has not been translated in the clinical arena. An increasing number of treatment options have become available with heterogenous effects on biochemical parameters, tumor burden, comorbidities, and quality of life. Still, clinicians follow trial and error protocols which often prolong the time to achieving control and affect patients’ quality of life.

The ultimate goal is to provide critical information that will help advance the earlier diagnosis and effective management of acromegaly towards personalized approaches and higher standards of care.

Authorship for this Research Topic is by invitation only. The following types of manuscripts are permitted: Clinical Trial, General Commentary, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Policy and Practice Reviews, Review, and Systematic Review.

Specific themes of interest within the umbrella of acromegaly include: genetics, growth hormone and IGF1 assays, epidemiology, pathophysiology, histopathology, comorbidities, and various therapies.

*Dr(s) Ioachimescu, Gadelha, Karavitaki, and Tritos have disclosed the following COI statements.
Dr. Ioachimescu is a principal investigator and consultant on the advisory board for Chiasma. Dr. Gadelha is an advisory board member with Crinetics, Ipsen, Recordati Rare Diseases, where she is also a speaker and principal investigator. She is also a speaker and principal investigator with Novartis. Dr. Karavitaki is a speaker and advisory board member with Pfizer, Ipsen, and Recordati Rare Diseases. She has also received institution-directed research support from Ipsen and Pfizer. Dr. Tritos has received institution-directed support from Ipsen and Pfizer.

Keywords: Acromegaly, remission, comorbidities, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, pituitary adenoma, transsphenoidal surgery, medical therapy, radiation therapy

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