Control of acromegaly in more than 90% of patients after 10 years of pegvisomant therapy: an European referral centre real-life experience

PurposePegvisomant (PEG) efficaciously controls IGF-I excess in acromegaly and possesses a positive impact on glucose metabolism. Data on very prolonged PEG treatment are still limited, therefore, we investigated the effects of 10-years PEG on disease control, maximal tumour diameter (MTD), and metabolic profile in consecutive patients resistant to somatostatin analogues (SRLs) followed in an European referral centre for acromegaly.MethodsSince the 2000s, we collected data on anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters, and MTD of patients receiving PEG. In the current study, we included 45 patients (19 men, 26 women, 46.8 +/- 11 years) treated for at least 5 years with PEG mono or combined therapy, analyzing data before, after 5- and 10-years PEG.ResultsAfter10 years, 91% of patients showed full disease control and in 37% a significant decrease in MTD was found. Diabetes prevalence was slightly increased, whereas HbA1c remained stable over the decade. Transaminases remained stable and no case of cutaneous lipohypertrophy was recorded. A different metabolic impact between mono- or combined therapy was found. Patients in monotherapy showed significantly lower fasting glucose (p = 0.01), fasting insulin (p = 0.008), HbA1c (p = 0.007), HOMA-IR (p = 0.001), and significantly higher ISI0 (p = 0.002), whereas patients under combined therapy showed significantly lower total (p = 0.03), and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.007). Acromegaly duration before PEG was inversely related to Delta FG (r = - 0.46, p = 0.03) and Delta FI (r = - 0.54, p = 0.05).ConclusionsPEG is effective and safe in long term. In patients resistant to SRLs, early beginning of PEG allows a wider gluco-insulinemic improvement.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of 10-year PEG treatment on disease control, maximal tumor diameter, and metabolic profile in patients with acromegaly resistant to somatostatin analogues. The results showed that after 10 years, 91% of patients achieved full disease control and 37% had a significant decrease in tumor diameter. Early initiation of PEG treatment was associated with improved glucose and insulin metabolism.