Which medication is used to treat prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas?

Which medication is used to treat prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas?

• A. Octreotide
• B. Metformin
• C. Leuprolide
• D. Cabergoline

Answer: (D)

Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas) respond best to medications that stimulate dopamine D2 receptors, because dopamine inhibits prolactin release from lactotroph cells. Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine D2 receptor agonist that effectively lowers prolactin levels and often shrinks the tumor. It is preferred for its superior efficacy and tolerability, plus convenient dosing compared with older agents. For fertility, reducing prolactin can restore ovulation, which is another reason cabergoline is favored. In contrast, the other options don’t directly suppress prolactin: octreotide targets growth hormone and TSH, metformin addresses insulin resistance, and leuprolide acts on GnRH to influence gonadotropins rather than prolactin.

Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas) respond best to medications that stimulate dopamine D2 receptors, because dopamine inhibits prolactin release from lactotroph cells. Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine D2 receptor agonist that effectively lowers prolactin levels and often shrinks the tumor. It is preferred for its superior efficacy and tolerability, plus convenient dosing compared with older agents. For fertility, reducing prolactin can restore ovulation, which is another reason cabergoline is favored. In contrast, the other options don’t directly suppress prolactin: octreotide targets growth hormone and TSH, metformin addresses insulin resistance, and leuprolide acts on GnRH to influence gonadotropins rather than prolactin.