LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF MACROPROLACTINOMAS WITH CV-205-502

The long-term efficacy and tolerability of CV 205-502, a non-ergot dop amine agonist with D-2 receptor affinity, were studied for up to 36 mo nths in 16 patients with macroprolactinomas. Prolactin values were red uced in all cases. becoming either normalized or suppressed in 12. The pituitary tumor size was reduced in the 1 3 patients with an obvious tumor and visual function normalized in all six patients with initial defects. Concomitantly we observed improvement in gonadal function, ga lactorrhea, headache, libido and general well-being. Adverse reactions were experienced by 15 patients during dosage increment and caused on e patient to discontinue the medication. Seven patients had persistent adverse effects which prohibited a dosage increase of CV 205-502. suf ficient to normalize PRL levels in three. Two patients experienced ser ious adverse events, causing the discontinuation of treatment in one c ase. In eight patients treatment with CV 205 502 and bromocriptine cou ld be compared. Three patients responded better to CV 205-502 than to bromocriptine treatment. Only one patient preferred bromocriptine to C V 205-502 for long-term treatment. We conclude that CV 205-502 is an e ffective and in most cases well-tolerated treatment for patients with macroprolactinomas. CV 205-502 is preferable to bromocriptine as an in itial treatment and should also be tried in patients where treatment w ith bromocriptine has failed.