Radiation therapy for primary pituitary tumors associated with Cushing's syndrome

Abstract

A review of the literature is presented of twenty-two cases of primary pituitary tumour associated with Cushing's syndrome, treated primarily with irradiation. A new similar case is reported. The majority of these tumours have not responded to irradiation or, for that matter, to surgery. These patients generally have a poor prognosis and a relatively high incidence of malignant lesions. It is proposed that patients presenting with this entity require a craniotomy prior to irradiation to establish diagnosis and direct treatment.