Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40928610›Full record

ArticleJournal of neuro-oncology2025

Long-term outcomes of modern radiation therapy for pituitary adenoma - different techniques: single institute experience.

Alexandra Brand, Linda Agolli, Kerem Tuna Tas, Phillip Lishwiski, Markus Schymalla, Klemens Zink, Hilke Vorwerk, Ioanna Fragkandrea-Nixon, Thomas Held, Daniel Habermehl and 2 more

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In one paragraph

Article in Journal of neuro-oncology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Alexandra BrandDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Linda AgolliDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Giessen University Hospital, Giessen, Germany.
Kerem Tuna TasDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Phillip LishwiskiDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Markus SchymallaDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Klemens ZinkDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Hilke VorwerkDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Ioanna Fragkandrea-NixonBeatson West of Scotland Cancer Center, Glasgow, UK.
Thomas HeldDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Daniel HabermehlDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Giessen University Hospital, Giessen, Germany.
Sebastian AdebergDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Ahmed GawishDepartment of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Philipps- Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany. ahmed.gawish@uni-marburg.de.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPituitary adenomas are relatively common benign intracranial tumors that may cause significant hormonal imbalances and visual impairments. Radiotherapy (RT) remains an important treatment option, particularly for patients with residual tumor after surgery, recurrent disease, or ongoing hormonal hypersecretion. This study summarizes long-term clinical outcomes and radiation-associated toxicities in patients with pituitary adenomas treated with contemporary radiotherapy techniques at a single institution.

methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 122 patients treated with RT for pituitary adenomas at the tertiary Hospital in Germany between 1992 and 2023. Patient data were assessed for tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Overall survival (OS), and local control (LC) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Statistical comparisons between subgroups were performed with the log-rank test. Treatment-related toxicities were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0.

resultsMedian follow-up was 107 months from initial diagnosis and 63 months post-RT. Most patients (96%) received fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), and 4% underwent single-session radiosurgery. RT achieved LC rates of 95% and 75% at 5 and 20 years, respectively. Proton therapy significantly improved LC and overall survival (OS) compared to photon-based treatments (p < 0.01). Hypopituitarism was the most common long-term toxicity, occurring in 40% of patients, while visual impairments were rare (< 3%). Tumor recurrence occurred in 9% of patients, primarily in those treated with delayed RT after incomplete resection.

conclusionModern RT techniques, particularly proton therapy, provide durable tumor control and manageable toxicity profiles for pituitary adenomas. Optimized timing and precision in RT delivery are critical to enhancing outcomes and minimizing complications. Long-term follow-up remains essential to monitor disease progression and late toxicities.

Indexed as

AdenomaPituitary NeoplasmsRadiosurgeryAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHumansMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesSurvival RateTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultPituitary adenomaProton therapyRadiotherapy

Identifiers

PMID40928610
PMCPMC12511260

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.