Alice Melao,  —

Relacorilant, an investigational therapy developed by Corcept Therapeutics, may effectively manage the effects of excess cortisol in patients with Cushing’s syndrome, interim data from an ongoing Phase 2 trial show. In particular, the treatment significantly improved sugar tolerance and the levels of osteocalcin, a bone growth biomarker  commonly suppressed by…

While adrenocortical carcinoma — a malignant tumor of the adrenal gland — appears only rarely in children, the tumor may cause secondary Cushing’s syndrome in these patients, a new case report shows. Early diagnosis of the causes of Cushing’s syndrome could improve the prognosis of these children, researchers say. The…

In rare cases, Cushing’s syndrome may be caused by cortisol-secreting masses in both adrenal glands, a case report shows. The study with that finding, “ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome with bilateral cortisol-secreting adrenal adenomas: a case report and review of literatures” was published in BMC Endocrine Disorders. Cushing’s syndrome…

A new Phase 2 trial evaluating the promising investigative therapy seliciclib as a treatment for Cushing’s disease is currently enrolling participants. The trial (NCT02160730), at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, will evaluate whether seliciclib can safely suppress the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACHT) secreted by the pituitary tumors, normalizing…

Strongbridge Biopharma has begun dosing patients in another Phase 3 clinical trial of its Cushing’s syndrome therapy Recorlev (levoketoconazole). The company will enroll roughly 35 patients in the LOGICS (NCT03277690). Those participating in another Phase 3 trial, SONICS (NCT01838551), can enter the LOGICS study as well. LOGICS “marks an…

Increases in cortisol secretion, even if mild, induce early heart and blood vessel changes that may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, according to Italian researchers. The findings continue to support the role of the hormone cortisol in heart disease, and demonstrate the need for carefully monitoring cardiovascular risk in patients…

Intranasal steroid drops used to treat nasal obstruction may cause Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency in infants, a case study of two patients suggests. The study, “Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency in infants on intranasal dexamethasone drops for nasal obstruction – Case series and literature review,” was published…

Pituitary tumors that produce too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have been associated with the development of rare tumors on the adrenal glands, called adrenal myelolipomas, for the first time in a case report. The study, “Case report of a bilateral adrenal myelolipoma associated with Cushing disease,” was published…

Children with Cushing’s syndrome are at risk of developing new autoimmune and related disorders after being cured of the disease, a new study shows. The study, “Incidence of Autoimmune and Related Disorders After Resolution of Endogenous Cushing Syndrome in Children,” was published in Hormone and Metabolic Research.

Excessive use of skin-applied steroids to manage diaper rash can lead to an infant developing  Cushing’s syndrome, a case study reports. Cushing’s is characterized by elevated levels of hormones known as glucocorticoids, typically due to malfunctioning of pituitary or adrenal glands. Skin-applied corticosteroid-based therapies, known as topical steriods, are used…