Long-term outcomes of adjuvant proton radiotherapy (PRT) for residual pituitary adenoma (PA) in adults – a retrospective, single institute experience - Report - MDSpire

Long-term outcomes of adjuvant proton radiotherapy (PRT) for residual pituitary adenoma (PA) in adults – a retrospective, single institute experience

  • By

  • Fabian J. K. Allmendinger

  • Maximilian Deng

  • Sebastian Regnery

  • Lars Wessel

  • Katharina Kozyra

  • Felix Englert

  • Ricarda Wickert

  • Jannik Walter

  • Lucas Mose

  • Thomas Tessonnier

  • Sandro M. Krieg

  • Jürgen Debus

  • Laila König

  • Tanja Adena-Eichkorn

  • June 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Long-term Effects of Adjuvant Proton Radiotherapy for Residual Pituitary Adenomas in Adults

Overview

This study evaluates the long-term outcomes of adjuvant proton radiotherapy (PRT) in adults with residual pituitary adenomas (PAs) following subtotal surgical resection. The findings indicate that PRT may provide effective tumor control while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Background

Pituitary adenomas are common intracranial tumors that can lead to significant morbidity due to their endocrine effects and local mass effects. Surgical resection is often incomplete, necessitating additional treatment options such as radiotherapy. Proton beam radiotherapy offers potential advantages in sparing normal tissues compared to conventional radiotherapy techniques.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • 22 adult patients with residual PAs received adjuvant PRT after subtotal resection.
  • PRT was chosen over CyberKnife®-SRS or conventional RT based on multidisciplinary decision-making.
  • Long-term follow-up data were collected at multiple intervals post-treatment.
  • PRT aims to improve tumor control while reducing the risk of damage to adjacent neurovascular structures.
  • Clinical evidence supporting PRT in this context remains limited, necessitating further research.

Clinical Implications

The study highlights the potential role of PRT in managing residual pituitary adenomas, particularly in cases where further surgical intervention is not feasible. Clinicians should consider the dosimetric advantages of PRT when planning treatment for complex cases.

Conclusion

Adjuvant proton radiotherapy may offer a viable option for patients with residual pituitary adenomas, providing effective tumor control with reduced risk to surrounding tissues. Further studies are needed to establish definitive treatment protocols.

Related Resources & Content

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  5. Management of Patients with Residual or Recurrent Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas - Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)
  6. Trade-offs in proton and photon radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas - ScienceDirect
  7. Prospectively assessed hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after proton therapy in adults with head and neck, skull base and brain tumors | Scientific Reports
  8. 7. Management of Patients with Residual or Recurrent Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas - Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)
  9. Trade-offs in proton and photon radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas - ScienceDirect
  10. Prospectively assessed hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after proton therapy in adults with head and neck, skull base and brain tumors | Scientific Reports

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