About this Research Topic

Background

Non-Functioning Pituitary Tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise from the hormone-producing cells of the adenohypophysis. They are defined clinically as mass lesions arising in the sella turcica that are composed of epithelial neuroendocrine cells of the anterior pituitary but are unassociated with hormone excess. They generally present with signs and/or symptoms of a sellar mass: headache, visual field disturbances, hypopituitarism with or without hyperprolactinemia due to interruption of the pituitary stalk.

Advances in our understanding of cell differentiation of adenohypophysial cells has provided the basis for a complex classification of tumors of these neuroendocrine cells. They can be well differentiated along the lines of the mature cell types, or they can show incomplete differentiation. Some show lineage infidelity while others show no evidence of lineage commitment. Clinically non-functioning adenohypophysical tumours are composed of cells that do not secrete known hormones in amounts or forms that can be biochemically and functionally active. However, morphologic analysis of these tumors has shown that they can be composed of cells that are mature and/or show specific lineage commitment, implicating abnormal hormone processing and/or regulation as the cause of lack of functionality.

The various tumor types that can present as clinically non-functioning tumours have distinct clinical behaviors and therapeutic targets. While surgery is the usual first line treatment, and provides the material for accurate diagnosis, tumor recurrence is not uncommon and requires one or more of several medical therapies as well as novel approaches to radiation to control tumor progression.

Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics continuously expand our information as remarkable aids in diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive aspects of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Liquid biopsy biomarkers and tissue analysis large-scale polyomics data accentuate details of the intricate network underlying tumorigenesis of these various neoplasms. Recent technics in analyzing blood samples from sphenoid sinus are being used in inaccessible pituitary masses.

In this Research Topic, we seek to expand our understanding of the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of these heterogeneous tumors. Factors that can predict insolent or aggressive behavior are critical to determine the approach to therapy for patients. We welcome original research, reviews, perspectives, and mini review articles.

Keywords: pituitary, adenohypophysis, neuroendocrine tumor, hormone secretion, cytodifferentiation, sella turcica, surgery, radiotherapy, medical therapies, genetics, molecular biology

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