Care trajectories of surgically treated patients with a prolactinoma: why did they opt for surgery?

Purpose To describe care trajectories in patients with prolactinoma, aiming to clarify the rationale for surgery. Methods Retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with prolactinoma undergoing surgery from 2017 to 2019 at the referral center (RC), prior to surgery being considered a viable treatment option (i.e. PRolaCT study). Demographics and clinical data (type and duration of pretreatment and surgical indications, goals, and outcomes) were collected from patient records. Care trajectories were divided into three phases: (1) diagnosis and initial treatment, (2) endocrine treatment at the RC, and (3) surgical treatment. Results 40 patients were included (31 females (77.5%), median age 26.5 (14–63) years. Indications for surgery were dopamine agonist (DA) intolerance (n = 31, 77.5%), resistance (n = 6, 15.0%), and patient/physician preference (n = 3, 7.5%). Patients were pretreated with DA (n = 39 (97.5%)), and surgery (n = 3 (7.5%)). Median disease duration at surgery was 4 (0–27) years. Primary surgical goal was total resection in 38 patients (95.0%), of which biochemical remission was achieved 6 months postoperatively in 23 patients (62.2%), and clinical remission in 6 patients (16.2%), missing data n = 1. Conclusion Care trajectories were highly individualized based on patient and tumor characteristics, as well as the multidisciplinary team’s assessment (need for alternative treatment, surgical chances and risks). Most patients were pretreated pharmacologically and had broad variation in timing of referral, undergoing surgery as last-resort treatment predominantly due to DA intolerance. High quality imaging and multidisciplinary consultations with experienced neurosurgeons and endocrinologists enabling treatment tailored to patients’ needs were prerequisites for adequate counseling in treatment of patients with prolactinoma.