Could a common drug replace surgery for pituitary tumors?

NCT ID NCT02288962

First seen Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial tests whether cabergoline, a drug already used for hormone-producing pituitary tumors, can shrink or slow the growth of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). These tumors do not produce excess hormones, so current treatment is limited to surgery or radiation, which carry risks. The study enrolls adults with untreated or residual NFPAs and measures tumor volume changes over two years using MRI scans.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
cabergoline, a dopamine agonist drug
What this could lead to
If effective, cabergoline could become the first drug treatment for non-functioning pituitary adenomas, reducing the need for repeated surgeries or radiation.
What could go wrong
This is a small phase 3 trial with 60 participants, and previous evidence is limited to non-randomized studies. Cabergoline may not shrink tumors in all patients and carries a risk of heart valve problems.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Endocrinology, Akershus University hospital

    Oslo, Norway

  • Department of Endocrinology, St. Olavs Hospital

    Trondheim, 7006, Norway

  • Sahlgrenska University Hospital

    Gothenburg, Sweden

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