OBJECTIVETo discuss the treatment strategy of invasive prolactinomas (IPs) involving the cavernous sinus.

METHODSData from 80 patients with IPs treated in our institutions were reviewed retrospectively. The criteria utilized included: (1) invasion of the cavernous sinus by tumor, corresponding to Grade III-IV according to the classification of Knosp; (2) serum prolactin level > 9.1 nmol/L; (3) clinical signs of hyperprolactinemia and mass effect. Among the 80 patients who met the criteria: 21 patients received bromocriptine as primary treatment (Group A); 21 patients initially received bromocriptine and then accepted microsurgery or irradiation (Group B); 38 patients had initially undergone transcranial or transsphenoidal microsurgery and then received bromocriptine or adjuvant radiotherapy (Group C). Eleven patients underwent gamma knife radiotherapy.

RESULTSIn 57 patients (12 cases of Group A, 16 cases of Group B, 29 cases of Group C), the tumors on MRI had almost completely disappeared after an average follow-up period of 62 months, and in the other 23 patients, residual tumor involved the cavernous sinus. Visual symptoms improved in 33 patients while deteriorated in 7 patients. Serum prolactin level of 52 patients had in normal range after treatment (10 cases of Group A, 11 cases of Group B, 31 cases of Group C) and 7 patients were more than 9.1 nmol/L. Nine patients had symptoms of hypopituitarism.

CONCLUSIONSFor IPs, individualized treatment methods are advocated in which dopamine agonist medications are effective as first-line therapy. It is necessary to take dopamine agonist after operation and close observation is mandatory. Gamma knife surgery is an option to treat the residual tumor involving the cavernous sinus.