REVIEW Modern treatment of acromegaly

Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder characterised by increased morbidity and mortality. It is usually caused by a growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma and is manifested by a variety of clinical features. Surgery is usually the treatment of choice, however over the last few years, several new methods of treatment have been developed. A recent consensus on the targets for treatment has led to multiple studies being conducted to assess the efficacy of the currently available options. This review examines the evidence for and against these treatments. Acromegaly is a clinical condition that resultsfrom chronic secretion of abnormally highamounts of growth hormone after fusion of the epiphyseal plates leading to an increased pro-duction of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). It is usually caused by a growth hormone secretin