Radiation therapy may be used alone or in addition to surgery or drug therapy. Certain drugs can also block the pituitary gland from making too many hormones. Treatment by type Treatments for pituitary tumors depend on the type of tumor, how far the tumor has spread into the brain, and the patient's age and overall health. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.
Clinical trials are ongoing in some parts of the country for patients with pituitary tumors.
Clinical trials may be testing new types of radiation therapy. Surgery plus radiation therapy. Surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy. Drug therapy to stop the tumor from making prolactin. Clinical trials are testing new drugs for this purpose.