Treatment of Pituitary and Other Tumours with Cabergoline: New Mechanisms and Potential Broader Applications

Abstract

Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that has been used as the first-line treatment option for prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas for several decades. It not only suppresses hormone production from these prolactinomas, but also causes tumour shrinkage. Recent studies revealed some novel mechanisms by which cabergoline suppresses tumour cell proliferation and induces cell death. In this article, we review the most recent findings in cabergoline studies, focusing on its anti-tumour function. These studies suggest the potential broader clinical use of cabergoline in the treatment of other tumours such as breast cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, and lung cancer.

Nomogram predictive model of post-operative recurrence in non-functioning pituitary adenoma

“…Furthermore, iMRI improved GTR rates, which correlated with longer PFS (29). Moreover, some dopamine agonists have shown to be effective for treating residual NFPA, and reduced the recurrence of NFPA (33)(34)(35). These data suggest that it is of great importance to find strategies to predict recurrence.…”

Resolution of Visual Field Defect in Macroprolactinoma After Treatment With Cabergoline

“…Cabergoline, a dopamine agonist, is the first-line medication for prolactinoma [9][10][11] providing therapeutic effects regardless of sex, age, or initial prolactin value [12]. Cabergoline use is also associated with a favorable prognosis regarding visual acuity [13,14].…”

Aggressive prolactinomas responsive to temozolomide treatment: Report of two cases

“… 1 , 2 In 10%–20% of cases, the tumors are unresponsive to conventional therapies. 3 Previous studies showed that dopamine agonist‐resistant prolactinoma might happen due to decreased dopamine two receptor (DR2) expression in tumor cells. 4 Aggressive pituitary tumors show various clinical manifestations as they have a tendency to grow, frequently recur, and are often irresponsive to standard treatments.…”

“…Most macroprolactinomas are resolved with conventional therapies with dopamine agonists (such as cabergoline), surgery, and radiation 1,2 . In 10%–20% of cases, the tumors are unresponsive to conventional therapies 3 . Previous studies showed that dopamine agonist‐resistant prolactinoma might happen due to decreased dopamine two receptor (DR2) expression in tumor cells 4 .…”