Antiproliferative effects of somatostatin analogs in pituitary adenomas.

The antisecretory effects of somatostatin (SRIF) and its analogs are widely recognised and provide the basis for treatment of hormonal hypersecretion in pituitary adenomas, especially in the settings of acromegaly. Evidence for an antiproliferative effect of these compounds has also been provided. This review focuses on the mechanisms transducing the antiproliferative effects of SRIF and its analogs on pituitary adenomas, and on the clinical consequences on tumor volume of pharmacological treatment of pituitary adenomas with these drugs.