Long-term, real-world experience of pasireotide dose reduction in patients with acromegaly.

Pasireotide long-acting release is effective in achieving biochemical control and reducing tumour volume in patients with acromegaly inadequately controlled by first-line therapy. As part of a long-term, real-world study at our centre, 20 of 50 patients receiving pasireotide benefited from a reduction in pasireotide dose. Pasireotide reduced insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels to below the upper limit of the normal range, with some patients responding within 1-3 months of treatment (n=11) and others after ≥4 months (n=9). Following pasireotide dose reduction, IGF-I levels showed a mild increase but remained within the normal range after a median of 39 months in the early responders and 17 months in the late responders. Glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels decreased following dose reduction. Identifying patients who may benefit from a reduction in pasireotide dose warrants further research as it may improve the management of pasireotide-associated hyperglycaemia in susceptible patients.