E-cadherin expression is associated with somatostatin analogue response in acromegaly

Description

Acromegaly is a rare disease resulting from hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) typically caused by pituitary adenomas, which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) represent the primary medical therapy for acromegaly and are currently used as first‐line treatment or as second‐line therapy after unsuccessful pituitary surgery. However, a considerable proportion of patients do not adequately respond to SSAs treatment, and therefore, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers predictors of response to SSAs. The aim of this study was to examine E‐cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry in fifty‐five GH‐producing pituitary tumours and determine the potential association with response to SSAs as well as other clinical and histopathological features. Acromegaly patients with tumours expressing low E‐cadherin levels exhibit a worse response to SSAs. E‐cadherin levels are associated with GH‐producing tumour histological subtypes. Our results indicate that the immunohistochemical detection of E‐cadherin might be useful in categorizing acromegaly patients based on the response to SSAs.

Abstract

ISCIII‐Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación PI13/02043 PI16/00175

Abstract

FEDER PI13/02043 PI16/00175

Abstract

Junta de Andalucía A‐0023‐2015 A‐0003‐2016 CTS‐1406 BIO‐0139

Abstract

Andalusian Ministry of Health C‐0015‐2014

Abstract

CIBERobn PI13/ 02043 PI16/00175

Additional details