Clinical Research Directory

Long Term Outcome Study in Patients With Pituitary Disorders

To determine the outcomes of patients with different pituitary disorders whether they are managed medically, surgically or expectantly.

Clinical Evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-RF PET Imaging Targeting RFVT3 in Patients With Pituitary Tumors

This study aims to evaluate the clinical application value of \[68Ga\]Ga-NOTA-RF, a novel PET molecular probe targeting riboflavin transporter 3 (RFVT3), in patients with pituitary adenomas. It will observe the probe's imaging characteristics, distribution signs, and the relationships between these factors, tumor differentiation degree, and radiotracer uptake. Additionally, the study will explore the diagnostic advantages of \[68Ga\]Ga-NOTA-RF in patients with pituitary adenomas and its potential value in precise typing.

Dopamine Agonist Treatment of Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas

Due to lack of hormone overproduction in non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), only the symptomatic adenomas or large adenomas with proven growth and risk for symptoms in near future will undergo pituitary surgery. The remaining adenomas are monitored regularly. Operation of these large adenomas will rarely remove all tumour tissue, and there is also a risk of worsening of pituitary function. Often, adenomas with the highest growth potential are operated several times and some also need radiation therapy, providing additional risk for pituitary failure. Unlike some of the hormone-producing adenomas, there is no established pharmacological treatment for NFPAs. However, there are a few non-randomized studies suggesting that treatment with dopamine agonists may slow growth, and also induce tumour shrinkage. At present, cabergoline is the dopamine agonist most widely used in the treatment of pituitary adenomas secreting prolactin. Aim is to study the effect of medical treatment with cabergoline in non-functioning pituitary adenomas on the change in tumour volume.

Application of Augmented Reality Neuronavigation in Transnasal Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

"For lesions in the skull base, including meningiomas, chordomas and pituitary tumors, endoscopic surgery has replaced traditional microscopes as the mainstream procedure. Although neurosurgeons can enlarge the surgical area using a neuroendoscope, it does not provide any information on the morphology and location of anatomical structures beneath visible surfaces. Due to the complex anatomical relationships of adjacent structures in the skull base, lesions occurring here are often located deep within anatomy that is difficult to fully expose and remove with endoscopic surgery alone. Especially when dealing with larger tumors that surround major arteries and nerves, limited visibility at surface level can easily damage blood vessels or nerves causing complications such as bleeding during or after surgery, deformities or functional impairments. The purpose of this study is to explore how augmented reality (AR) technology can highlight important anatomical structures in a neuroendoscope's field of view to optimize surgical visibility beyond what is possible with just an endoscope alone. This will make it easier for surgeons to distinguish deeper anatomical structures and reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with endoscopic surgery."