Background
This manuscript summarizes the treatment options available in modern radiation oncology for the treatment of secreting and non-secreting pituitary adenomas. Modern high-precision treatment options enable a steep reduction in dosing to healthy tissue and therefore provide excellent local control with low rates of side effects.
Objective
Interdisciplinary treatment paradigms can be derived from the available data.
Material and methods
This article summarizes the most recent literature on high-precision radiotherapy for the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Furthermore, techniques are described that can be performed as radiosurgery (in one single fraction) or as fractionated regimens for benign tumors.
Results
Local control of pituitary adenomas lies between 80–100% depending on the underlying histology, size and location of the lesion. Small volumes can be safely treated with radiosurgery, while fractionated regimens have an improved therapeutic window also in larger lesions. Radiotherapy is an effective option for persisting hormone secretion; however, normalization of hormone secretion is a continuous process.
Conclusion
Modern radiation oncology provides excellent treatment alternatives for benign lesions, such as pituitary adenomas with a favorable risk-benefit profile and should be considered in the interdisciplinary decision making process.