Which hormone's receptor blocker is used as a treatment option in Acromegaly?

In acromegaly, the primary issue is an overproduction of growth hormone (GH), usually due to a benign tumor on the pituitary gland called an adenoma. The excessive levels of growth hormone lead to various symptoms, such as enlarged bones and tissues, which characterize the condition.

The treatment options for acromegaly often include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and medical therapy. Among the medical therapies, growth hormone receptor antagonists are specifically designed to block the effects of growth hormone at its receptor sites. One such blocker is pegvisomant, which effectively reduces the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a mediator of GH's effects, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with acromegaly.

Utilizing a growth hormone receptor blocker allows for a direct approach to managing the symptoms and complications of excess growth hormone secretion, making it a targeted and effective therapy in treating this condition.