Dopamine Agonist Treatment of Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas
Norway, Sweden60 participantsStarted 2014-11
Plain-language summary
Due to lack of hormone overproduction in non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), only the symptomatic adenomas or large adenomas with proven growth and risk for symptoms in near future will undergo pituitary surgery. The remaining adenomas are monitored regularly. Operation of these large adenomas will rarely remove all tumour tissue, and there is also a risk of worsening of pituitary function. Often, adenomas with the highest growth potential are operated several times and some also need radiation therapy, providing additional risk for pituitary failure. Unlike some of the hormone-producing adenomas, there is no established pharmacological treatment for NFPAs. However, there are a few non-randomized studies suggesting that treatment with dopamine agonists may slow growth, and also induce tumour shrinkage. At present, cabergoline is the dopamine agonist most widely used in the treatment of pituitary adenomas secreting prolactin.
Aim is to study the effect of medical treatment with cabergoline in non-functioning pituitary adenomas on the change in tumour volume.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* A previously untreated non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (largest diameter ≥ 10 mm) with either demonstrated growth on repeated MRI scans or ≤ 2 mm distance to chiasma opticum, or:
* a residual non-functioning pituitary adenoma after surgery (largest diameter ≥ 5 mm) that is either extrasellar and/or with documented growth after surgical treatment of a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma
Exclusion Criteria:
* Clear indication for surgery at the time of inclusion
* Previous radiation therapy
* Pituitary surgery the last 6 months
* Previous apoplexy/bleeding in the adenoma
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Contraindications for cabergoline treatment (Known cardiac valvular disease, known pulmonal, pericardial or retroperitoneal fibrosis, clinical significant liver insufficiency, use of medications that interact with cabergoline
* unfit to participate due to any other reason
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
change in tumour volume during the main study of two years