Cushing's disease is a hormone disorder resulting in many distressing symptoms. At present, surgery, radiotherapy, and medicines are available. Pioneering research continues to help patients lead more normal lives.
Disease: Cushing's Disease
Last update: June 2006
Intro
FAQ: What does the future hold?
A variety of new treatment options are being investigated. These include a treatment which mimics growth hormone and compounds which prevent cortisol from binding to its target tissues in the body.
Studies are also underway to try and understand the causes of the benign pituitary tumour that is responsible for many cases of Cushing's disease. Understanding the basis of Cushing's disease will yield new approaches to therapy.
Studies are also underway to try and understand the causes of the benign pituitary tumour that is responsible for many cases of Cushing's disease. Understanding the basis of Cushing's disease will yield new approaches to therapy.
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What is it?
Cushing's disease is a disorder where the body is exposed to abnormally high levels of a steroid hormone called cortisol. It most commonly results from a benign tumour (adenoma) in the pituitary gland. People with Cushing' disease endure many distressing symptoms, including upper body obesity, a rounded "moon" face, thin skin, weakened bones, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, anxiety and depression. -
Who gets it?
It is estimated that Cushing's disease affects 4,000 to 6,000 people a year across Europe. It most commonly affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50. Women are five times more frequently affected than men. -
What can be done about it?
The most widely-used treatment is surgical removal of the adenoma in the pituitary gland. Radiotherapy is also used, as are medicines that block the action of cortisol. The pharmaceutical industry has also introduced medicines which act on the release of cortisol. -
What does the future hold?
A variety of new treatment options are being investigated. These include a treatment which mimics growth hormone and compounds which prevent cortisol from binding to its target tissues in the body.
Studies are also underway to try and understand the causes of the benign pituitary tumour that is responsible for many cases of Cushing's disease. Understanding the basis of Cushing's disease will yield new approaches to therapy.