José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

In patients with Cushing’s disease, removing the pituitary tumor via an endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) leads to better remission rates than microscopic TSS, according to new research. But regardless of surgical approach, plasma cortisol levels one day after surgery are predictive of remission, researchers found. The study, “…

Adrenal gland transplants resulted in complete resolution of Cushing’s disease symptoms after no long-lasting benefits were seen with pituitary surgery, according to a new long-term study in four patients. The procedure also enabled lower doses of hormone replacement therapy, the findings showed. The research, “Autologous Adrenal…

The administration with food of the Cushing’s syndrome therapy Korlym (mifepristone) will be covered by a new U.S. patent, according to Corcept Therapeutics – the company marketing Korlym. Upon issuance by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Corcept plans to list the patent in the U.S.

Pituitary surgery that restores healthy cortisol levels in people with Cushing’s disease only partly reverses changes in the brain that were caused by excessive levels, a study from China reports. Specifically, the surgery partly normalizes gray matter volume, where most nerve and other cells are found, but alterations to the…

Most Cushing’s disease patients who achieve remission experience overproduction of thyroid hormones, followed by a return to normal levels,  within 12 months after surgery to remove a pituitary tumor, according to new research. The findings also showed that changes in thyroid hormones are associated with serum levels of cortisol. The research, “…

Treatment with Signifor (pasireotide) over 12 months reduced urinary cortisol levels and enabled full disease control in a subset of 14 patients with Cushing’s disease who were monitored at an Italian center and taking part in a Phase 3 trial, a study has found. The study, “…

People with Cushing’s disease who have a bilateral adrenalectomy should be regularly assessed for their adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels, and undergo periodic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of residual tumors, to help predict and possibly detect Nelson’s syndrome, according to a new study. The findings also showed…

Repeat transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in patients experiencing recurrence of Cushing’s disease after the initial procedure is effective and associated with high rates of sustained remission, according to a new study. The research, “Outcomes After Repeat Transsphenoidal Surgery for Recurrent Cushing Disease: Updated,” appeared in the journal…

The annual incidence of Cushing’s disease in Sweden increased between 2005 and 2013 compared to earlier periods, according to nationwide data. However, this could be because of factors other than a truly higher disease frequency, including greater awareness and earlier diagnosis. Also, the findings demonstrate the importance of confirming Cushing’s…

Etomidate, a commonly used anaesthetic, is well-tolerated and can be used in low doses to reduce cortisol levels in patients with Cushing’s syndrome, a report of three cases suggests. The case series, “Low-dose etomidate for the management of severe hypercortisolaemia in different clinical scenarios: a case series and…