Patricia Inácio, PhD,  science writer—

Researchers have identified a new, quick method for detecting ACTH-producting tumors – called Elecsys – that can improve the cure rates of Cushing’s disease patients undergoing surgery. The study, “Long-term outcomes of tissue-based ACTH-antibody assay–guided transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas in Cushing disease,” was published in the…

A type of precision radiation therapy, called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), helped patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) control hypercortisolism. It may be a treatment alternative for those unable to undergo surgery or whose disease recurs after surgery, a retrospective analysis reported. The study, “Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cushing’s Disease: Results of…

Patients with Cushing’s syndrome are nearly three times as likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea later in life than the general population, according to the findings of a large population study in Taiwan. The research, “Risk of obstructive sleep apnea among patients with Cushing’s syndrome: a nationwide…

Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully used a fluorescent dye to identify pituitary adenoma tissue during brain surgery. The study, “Folate receptor overexpression can be visualized in real time during pituitary adenoma endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with near-infrared imaging,” was…

Researchers found that unlike tumors localized in the pituitary gland that increase production of the hormone underlying Cushing’s syndrome, no mutations in USP8 were detected in tumors that induce the disease but are localized outside of the gland. This condition is known as ectopic ACTH secretion syndrome (EAS), or ectopic Cushing’s…

A new Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT02697734) is actively recruiting Cushing’s disease patients in several countries to test the safety and effectiveness of the investigational therapy osilodrostat (LCI699). The 48-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Estimated enrollment is 69 patients at 26 locations…