Real-life data of Pasireotide LAR in acromegaly: a long-term follow-up

Pasireotide LAR (PAS-LAR) was released in Italy in 2017 to treat acromegaly patients resistant to SRLs (Somatostatin Receptors Ligands). The long-term follow-up data of PAS-LAR therapy in Italy are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAS-LAR in acromegaly.

Patients with acromegaly in PAS-LAR treatment were enrolled in three tertiary Italian endocrinological centers and evaluated by a retrospective observational real-life multicentre study.

Patients have been studied before (baseline) and 1, 6, 12, 24 and > 36 months after PAS-LAR start. Clinical, biochemical, and pituitary magnetic resonance data were collected, along with information on adverse events. Acromegaly disease activity was classified according to the IGF-1 index (normal value < 1.0).

Fifty patients (female 23) were enrolled. PAS-LAR treatment (mean follow-up 24 ± 16 months) significantly decreased IGF-1 levels (IGF-1 index baseline vs last visit: 1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.6, p < 0.0001). At the last visit, 67% of patients had controlled disease, and 44% showed a decrease in tumor volume. Clinical and biochemical efficacy was observed as early as after 1-month of PAS-LAR treatment (IGF-1 index baseline vs 1-month: 1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.4 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001). Also, 50% of patients referred headache improvement or disappearance. Fifteen patients discontinued PAS-LAR due to failure of treatment and poor glycaemic control. The prevalence of diabetes increased from 33% at the baseline to 54% at the last visit (p = 0.0072).

In real-life settings, PAS-LAR significantly decreases symptoms, IGF-1 levels, and the size of adenoma in patients with acromegaly resistant to SRLs. Beneficial effects may occur early after the first injection.