Treatment For Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal condition in which the pituitary gland over-produces growth hormone. This is a rare condition typically affecting middle-aged adults. Characteristics of the condition include increase in bone size, including those of the hands, feet, and face. Enlarged hands and feet as well as facial changes are common signs. A pituitary tumor is the most common cause of over-production of growth hormone. Most are benign. Nonpituitary tumors also may cause this condition. These tumors may be removed surgically, however this is not always possible.

Treatment for acromegaly is directed towards decreasing growth hormone production and decreasing the effect of the tumor on the pituitary and nearby tissue. Medications may be prescribed to decrease the production of growth hormone, or block the action of growth hormone. The medication octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic version of the hormone somatostatin. This medication works by interfering with excessive growth hormone production. Dopamine agonists, such as cabergoline (Dostinex) and bromocriptine (Parlodel) are oral medications which decrease levels of growth hormone. Pegvisomant (Somavert), a growth hormone antagonist, blocks the effect of growth hormone on body tissues.