Acromegaly is most simply defined as the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. Most often this is caused by a benign tumor or adenoma, and oftentimes can be alleviated to management or even cured through the surgical resection of the pituitary adenoma. However, despite the relatively straightforward nature of this treatment option, there exist a much larger range of options for post-surgical outcomes and long-term follow-up care which must be individualized to the patient. This has resulted in a range of treatment options with drastically different focuses in long-term treatment and care of this disease.
Additionally, there exists a notable group of patients for whom surgery is not a feasible treatment option. Long-term care and follow-up for those patients can look especially different with such options as first-generation somatostatin analogs (FGSA), and additional second-line treatments on a case-by-case basis.
A more collective understanding of acromegaly treatment in the long-term, through quality of life and clinical approaches, is crucial to address the disparate range of treatments available and care required. This Research Topic focuses on recent developments in the treatment and our understanding of acromegaly in the long-term. We are particularly interested in research on quality of life, outcomes, long-term follow-up care, regional differences in care, and the translation of this research into clinical care and practice.
Acromegaly is most simply defined as the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. Most often this is caused by a benign tumor or adenoma, and oftentimes can be alleviated to management or even cured through the surgical resection of the pituitary adenoma. However, despite the relatively straightforward nature of this treatment option, there exist a much larger range of options for post-surgical outcomes and long-term follow-up care which must be individualized to the patient. This has resulted in a range of treatment options with drastically different focuses in long-term treatment and care of this disease.
Additionally, there exists a notable group of patients for whom surgery is not a feasible treatment option. Long-term care and follow-up for those patients can look especially different with such options as first-generation somatostatin analogs (FGSA), and additional second-line treatments on a case-by-case basis.
A more collective understanding of acromegaly treatment in the long-term, through quality of life and clinical approaches, is crucial to address the disparate range of treatments available and care required. This Research Topic focuses on recent developments in the treatment and our understanding of acromegaly in the long-term. We are particularly interested in research on quality of life, outcomes, long-term follow-up care, regional differences in care, and the translation of this research into clinical care and practice.