Treatment Outcomes and Adherence to Pegvisomant in Acromegaly: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To evaluate real-world outcomes and adherence to pegvisomant therapy in patients with acromegaly.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who received pegvisomant for ≥6 months at the pituitary center between 2016 and 2024 with available clinical data. Data were extracted from medical charts and electronic health records. Variables recorded included demographic and clinical characteristics, maximum daily pegvisomant dose, remission status, radiologically confirmed tumor progression in patients with residual adenomas, history of adverse events (significant transaminase elevations or injection site reactions), and documented therapy interruption or discontinuation. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20.0.

Results: The cohort comprised 24 females (52.2%) and 22 males (47.8%). Mean age at diagnosis was 38.22 ± 9.51 years, and mean disease duration was 148.02 ± 70.54 months. The mean maximum daily dose of pegvisomant was 17.93 ± 7.04 mg. Remission was achieved in 37 patients (80.4%). No significant elevations in transaminases were observed. Therapy was discontinued in 1 patient (2.2%) due to injection site erythema and pain. Among patients with residual adenomas (n = 38), tumor progression occurred in 1 patient (2.6%). Twenty-four patients (52.2%) experienced therapy interruption during follow-up. Female sex was associated with a higher likelihood of therapy interruption (Exp(B) = 1.166, P = .040), and longer disease duration showed a trend toward increased risk (Exp(B) = 1.022, P = .068).

Conclusion: Strategies to improve patient adherence should be considered when prescribing pegvisomant, an effective treatment for acromegaly.

Cite this article as: Uysal S, Kadioglu P. Treatment outcomes and adherence to pegvisomant in acromegaly: A retrospective study. Published online August 1, 2026. doi: 10.5152/erp.2026.26938.