From Genes to Therapy: Pituitary Adenomas in the Era of Precision Medicine

Biomedicines. 2023 Dec 21;12(1):23. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12010023.

Abstract

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of pituitary adenomas, a type of brain tumor with diverse behaviors and complexities. We cover various treatment approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and their integration with newer treatments. Key to the discussion is the role of biomarkers in oncology for risk assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and the monitoring of pituitary adenomas. We highlight advances in genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic analyses and their contributions to understanding the pathogenesis and molecular pathology of these tumors. Special attention is given to the molecular mechanisms, including the impact of epigenetic factors like histone modifications, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic changes on different subtypes of pituitary adenomas. The importance of the tumor immune microenvironment in tumor behavior and treatment response is thoroughly analyzed. We highlight potential breakthroughs and innovations for a more effective management and treatment of pituitary adenomas, while shedding light on the ongoing need for research and development in this field to translate scientific knowledge into clinical advancements, aiming to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: VEGF inhibitors; biomarkers; cancer progression; epigenetics; genetic stability; hormone hypersecretion; immunotherapy; mTOR inhibitors; molecular mechanisms; pituitary adenomas; radiological imaging; targeted therapies; transcriptomics; tumor microenvironment; tyrosine kinase.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.