Prevalence of Pituitary Hormone Dysfunction Following Radiotherapy for Sinonasal and Nasopharyngeal Malignancies.

Authors

Kevin J Contrera
Jack Phan
Steven G Waguespack
Mohammed Aldehaim
Xin Wang
Tze Yee Lim
Dianna B Roberts
C David Fuller
Michael T Spiotto
Shaan M Raza
Franco DeMonte
Ehab Y Hanna
Shirley Y Su

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Journal

Head & Neck

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies and no surveillance protocols on pituitary dysfunction for adults who underwent anterior skull base radiation.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 50 consecutive patients with sinonasal or nasopharyngeal cancer who underwent definitive radiotherapy. The mean radiation doses, prevalence of pituitary dysfunction, and associated factors were calculated.

RESULTS: Pituitary hormone levels were abnormal in 23 (46%) patients, including 6 (12%) with symptomatic abnormalities requiring treatment. The most common hormonal abnormality was hyperprolactinemia (30%), central hypothyroidism (8%) and central hypogonadism (6%). Patients with abnormal pituitary hormone values received higher mean radiation doses to the pituitary gland (1143 cGy, P = 0.04), pituitary stalk (1129 cGy, P = 0.02), optic chiasm (1094 cGy, P = 0.01), and hypothalamus (900 cGy, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the patients had abnormal pituitary function, including over a tenth requiring treatment. There may be a dose-dependent association between hormonal dysfunction and radiation.

Keywords

Adult, Humans, Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms, Prevalence, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pituitary Gland, Pituitary Hormones, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

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Associated Data

PMID: 37534890