Cabergoline should be attempted in progressing non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma

Abstract

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) usually present with symptoms of mass effect. Thus, the first-line treatment generally consists of transsphenoidal surgery. Since these tumors are usually large and invasive, post-surgical tumor remnants are common. Active surveillance is the follow-up strategy adopted by most pituitary centers, although the prevalence of residual tumor growth may reach 50% in 5–10 years, often leading to repeat surgery, radiation therapy, or both. NFPA remain the only pituitary tumor type for which no medical therapy has been approved. In this debate, we consider the evidence in favor and against using cabergoline to treat progressing NFPA.