Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Predicting and monitoring PRRT is based upon NET overexpression of somatostatin receptor (SSR) to deliver targeted isotope therapy. Imaging SSR expression is ~60% accurate as a predictor of efficacy. However, it and other imaging modalities e.g., CT/MRI, have utility for monitoring response. Specific blood NET gene expression (Positive Predictor Quotient- [PPQ]) is accurate in predicting PRRT response (93–97%, Bodei et al. EJNMMI 2018). The utility of NET tran...

Background: Many patients with acromegaly report limitations of long-acting somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL) injections, including ongoing disease symptoms near cycle-end and injection-site pain. Oral octreotide capsules (OOC) may provide an alternative to monthly injections. The phase 3 CHIASMA OPTIMAL study assessed efficacy and safety of OOC in patients with acromegaly controlled on injectable SRLs.Methods: A multinational, randomized, placebo-contr...

Introduction: There is a substantial unmet clinical need for an accurate and effective blood biomarker for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs). Current monoanalyte biomarkers are ineffective. The NETest, a novel multianalyte signature, provides molecular information relevant to disease biology. We therefore evaluated, under real-world conditions, the clinical utility of the NETest as a liquid biopsy in GEP-NETs.Aim(s): Independently ...

Background: Injectable somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) are currently the most widely used therapy for acromegaly. Oral octreotide capsules (OOC) are a potential therapy for acromegaly; the safety and efficacy were evaluated in the CHIASMA OPTIMAL pivotal study (Samson et al. ENDO 2020). As reported, mean IGF-I levels of the OOC group were maintained within normal range at end of treatment in all patients. However, some patients may not respond to OOC treatment (2...

Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a secondary form of arterial hypertension that – in case of unilateral disease – can be cured by surgery. Multiple studies have shown that PA patients are at higher risk to suffer from cardiovascular events and to develop metabolic diseases. Two thirds of patients with PA suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A bi-directional, pathophysiological interplay between OSA and PA has been proposed, with focus on overnight ro...

Introduction: Work-up of thyroid nodules remains challenging. Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) has been developed to improve patient management and cost-effectiveness by avoiding unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with thyroid nodules. However, since its publication in JCEM (2009) its clinical use is still very limited and its practicability in clinical practice is questioned. Realtime-elastography (RTE) enables the determination of ...

Background: Infertility is a common problem and the number of couples receiving assisted reproductive treatment (ART) is increasing. Using GnRH agonists (GnRHa) to trigger oocyte maturation has been shown to reduce risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a common complication of IVF, compared to the more traditional use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Kisspeptin has recently been shown to be a safe trigger of oocyte maturation in women at high risk of OHSS. Ki...

Background: Kisspeptin is a critical activator of hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurons, inducing release of downstream reproductive hormones. Intravenous or subcutaneous kisspeptin administration has been shown to have significant potential to treat reproductive disorders. However, intranasal administration could offer a novel non-invasive delivery route, which would be clinically preferable. We therefore sought to determine the effects of intranasal kisspeptin...

Background: Bone toxicity and more specifically Radiotherapy Related Insufficiency Fractures (RRIFs) are common late effects of pelvic radiotherapy, associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life, while their cost to the health system is currently unknown. The mechanisms underlying RRIFs are not well understood. Effective preventive techniques and management pathways need to be developed and validated with robust clinical and health economic analyses. The RadB...

Background: The efficacy of PRRT is based upon NET over expression of somatostatin receptor (SSR) to deliver targeted isotope therapy. SSR expression (Krenning scale) compared to Predictive Quotient Index (PQI) (circulating NET transcript analysis mathematically integrated with grade) indicates the latter is more accurate for predicting PRRT efficacy. We evaluated whether PQI was specifically predictive or was prognostic for PRRT compared to other therapeutic strategi...