Clinicopathological features and outcomes of immature PIT-1 lineage tumors: A high-risk pituitary neuroendocrine tumor/pituitary adenoma subtype per WHO 2022.

PURPOSE: Immature PIT-1 lineage tumors are classified as high-risk pituitary adenomas/pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) under the 2022 WHO Classification, yet clinical outcome data remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of this rare entity.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 13 patients with pathologically confirmed immature PIT-1 lineage tumors who underwent surgery at our tertiary center between January 2022 and December 2024. Diagnoses were established according to WHO 2022 criteria using comprehensive transcription factor (TF) immunohistochemistry. Clinical, radiological, histopathological, treatment, and follow-up data were evaluated.

RESULTS

Immature PIT-1 lineage tumors accounted for 4% (21/525) of surgically treated pituitary adenomas, of whom 13 with complete follow-up data constituted the primary analysis cohort. Median age was 37 years (range: 25-73), with female predominance (61.5%). Notably, 61.5% presented with hormonal hypersecretion: acromegaly (38.5%), TSH-secreting tumors (15.4%), and GH-PRL co-secretion (7.7%). All patients had macroadenomas (median diameter 28 mm (range: 15-59 mm)); 38.5% demonstrated cavernous sinus invasion (Knosp grades 3-4). Immunohistochemically defined plurihormonal phenotype was present in 77% of cases; cytologic atypia was identified in all cases. Despite maximal surgical resection, residual disease persisted in 46% and 31% required reoperation at 16-month follow-up (range: 4-51 months). The median Ki-67 proliferation index was 4% (IQR: 2-10%; range: 1-35%), and the median mitotic count was 4 per 2 mm² (IQR: 1-8; range: 1-20).

CONCLUSION

Immature PIT-1 lineage tumors exhibit aggressive behavior with high residual disease rates, with 31% of patients requiring reoperation, 23% receiving adjuvant radiotherapy, and somatostatin analogue resistance observed in two patients. Routine TF immunohistochemistry is essential for accurate diagnosis; management requires maximal safe surgical resection and intensive long-term surveillance.