Jamie J. Van Gompel, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Irina Bancos, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota, discuss the challenges of treating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary tumors.

Dr. Bancos outlines the manifestations of Cushing syndrome resulting from the overproduction of ACTH, and Cushing's frequent association with polycystic ovary syndrome. Dr. Van Gompel explains the importance of timely treatment by surgeons experienced with ACTH-secreting adenomas.

Managing these tumors is complex, as they are often aggressive, occasionally are located in areas outside the pituitary gland, and require specialized surgical procedures. Mayo Clinic's multidisciplinary approach to pituitary tumors and Cushing syndrome includes sophisticated testing such as inferior petrosal sinus sampling and microsurgery for tumor removal.

Mayo Clinic is actively researching biomarkers for Cushing syndrome as well as conducting therapeutic trials of new medications.