How effective is radiotherapy for pituitary tumour?

Highly focused radiation is planned around the pituitary tumour while limiting exposure to nearby brain structures and the optic nerves. It may be used when a tumour remains after surgery, returns, continues to grow, or keeps producing hormones despite other treatment. Control of growth and control of hormone production are related but separate goals, so one may improve before the other.

Radiotherapy does not usually produce an immediate change in tumour size or hormone levels. Endocrine testing and scans over time help the team judge its effect. The pituitary can also make fewer hormones after treatment, which is why long-term review and replacement medicine may be needed.

Discuss whether the aim is tumour control, hormone control, protection of vision, or relief of pressure symptoms. Ask how the team will protect your vision, which hormone tests are needed, and how appointments with endocrinology and imaging will be arranged. Keep a record of new headaches, vision changes, thirst, urination, tiredness and prescribed hormone medicines.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden loss of vision, a severe new headache, vomiting with weakness, collapse, confusion or unusual sleepiness. Contact your clinical team for worsening peripheral vision, persistent vomiting, marked thirst with frequent urination, or symptoms suggesting a hormone imbalance.

Is my tumour producing hormones? What response are you targeting? How soon will hormone tests and scans be repeated? Could I need hormone replacement? What symptoms would suggest a vision or pituitary emergency?