What are the treatment goals for Cushing’s syndrome?

Reduce cortisol to normal levels

Cushing’s syndrome develops when the adrenal glands continuously produce too much of a steroid hormone called cortisol. Click here for more information. This is usually caused by a tumor. The main goal in treating Cushing’s syndrome is to eliminate the tumor so cortisol levels permanently return to normal. When this happens, Cushing’s syndrome is considered cured.^1-3

Reduce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels

In at least 8 out of 10 people with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, the cause is a pituitary or other tumor that is producing excess amounts of ACTH. This excess ACTH causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Click here for more information. The goal here is to reduce ACTH levels so that, in turn, cortisol levels return to normal.^1,2

Reverse signs and symptoms

Cushing’s syndrome can cause many troubling, difficult, and often serious signs and symptoms. The goal is to relieve the signs and symptoms by bringing cortisol levels down to normal and in so doing, help improve quality of life.^1-3

Maintain control for the long term

Finally, a very important goal in treating Cushing’s syndrome is to make sure that treatment remains effective over time.² Patients should visit their doctor regularly to check that cortisol is staying at normal levels and to determine if new or additional treatment is needed.

Next, read about treatments for Cushing’s syndrome.

References: 1. Nieman LK, Ilias I. Evaluation and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. Am J Med. 2005;118:1340-1346. 2. Biller BMK, Grossman AB, Stewart PM, et al. Treatment of adrenocorticotropin-dependent Cushing’s syndrome: a consensus statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93:2454-2462. 3. Nieman LK. Overview of the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. Available at: www.uptodate.com/online/content/ topic.do?topicKey=adrenal/9833. Accessed October 1, 2009. 4. Newell-Price J, Bertagna X, Grossman AB, Nieman LK. Cushing’s syndrome. Lancet. 2006;367:1605-1617.