Updates on Radiation Therapy for Pituitary Tumors

Radiation therapy for the treatment of both functional and nonfunctional pituitary tumors for dogs and cats has been described in veterinary medicine with a recent shift in focus toward stereotactic techniques. While the technology required and normal tissue constraints for stereotactic procedures are more stringent, recent publications indicate that, while it helps alleviate clinical signs, the survival response may not be as durable as with conventionally fractionated radiation therapy in dogs, despite being seen in cats. Regardless of the protocol recommendation, potential benefit to the patient is excellent with manageable side effect profiles.