Adrenal Cancer Treatment

An uncommon type of neuroendocrine tumor (NET), adrenal cancer forms in the adrenal glands. These two small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands produce and secrete certain hormones—including cortisol, adrenaline and aldosterone—to regulate the body’s metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, stress response and other essential functions. One adrenal gland is situated on top of each kidney.

Adrenal cancer occurs when healthy adrenal cells undergo harmful DNA changes that cause them to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Although some cases are linked to an inherited genetic condition, such as Lynch syndrome, the exact cause is often unknown. The symptoms of adrenal cancer can include weight gain, high blood pressure and muscle weakness. Additionally, some adrenal tumors are hormone-producing (functional) and can cause disruptive hormonal imbalances.

Although usually diagnosed in adults, adrenal cancer can occur at any age. Overall, it is exceedingly rare, affecting 1 to 2 people per million annually. Often causing hormone-related symptoms, the cancer can be aggressive and may spread to other parts of the body.

Early detection and prompt treatment of adrenal cancer are essential to achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life. The optimal treatment approach can vary based on the type, size and location of the tumor. Common options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Surgery for adrenal cancer

The primary treatment for adrenal cancer, surgery may be considered if the tumor is localized to the affected adrenal gland and can be completely removed. Known as adrenalectomy, this procedure involves removing the affected adrenal gland and possibly some nearby tissues or lymph nodes if the cancer has spread locally. In some cases, adrenalectomy can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) and robotic-assisted techniques.

When the tumor is detected early and confined to the adrenal gland, adrenalectomy can be highly effective and possibly curative. However, if the tumor has spread to other organs, surgery may be combined with other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, to better control the cancer.

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Radiation therapy for adrenal cancer

Targeted radiation therapy involves the use of high-powered beams of energy, such as X-rays or protons. A common type is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), in which the beams are generated by an external machine (linear accelerator) and delivered in multiple sessions over several weeks. The beams are precisely focused on the tumor to destroy the cancer cells or inhibit their growth while minimizing any exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues.

Radiation therapy may be administered before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove, or after surgery to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells and help prevent a recurrence. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of an adrenal tumor that cannot be surgically removed.

The effectiveness of radiation therapy can vary depending on the stage and extent of the cancer. As a standalone treatment, it is generally not curative for adrenal cancer. However, it can be effective in controlling the growth of the tumor, managing its symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life, especially when used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy for adrenal cancer

A systemic treatment, chemotherapy involves the intravenous or oral administration of powerful cancer-fighting medications. After entering the bloodstream, the drugs circulate throughout the body to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.

Chemo may be considered for advanced adrenal cancer that has spread (metastasized) to distant areas of the body or recurred. Single-agent chemotherapy drugs commonly used for adrenal cancer include mitotane, cisplatin and doxorubicin.

Adrenal cancer is often resistant to chemotherapy. However, even though the treatment is not curative, it can help control the growth of the tumor, alleviate its symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life, especially when combined with surgery or radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy for adrenal cancer

The effectiveness of targeted therapy for adrenal cancer—particularly in advanced and metastatic cases—is currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells and cannot distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or pathways that are known to promote tumor growth and spread. These innovative drugs block those targets, disrupting cancer progression while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Drugs targeting specific genetic mutations or pathways in adrenal cancer are not yet standard of care. However, targeted therapy has proven to be effective for other cancers.

Hormone therapy for adrenal cancer

Though not a primary treatment for adrenal cancer, hormone therapy can play an important role in managing the effects of functional adrenal tumors. These medications are designed to block or inhibit the production of excess hormones, helping to manage side effects caused by hormonal imbalances.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about adrenal cancer treatment

The following FAQs-related article provides additional information about adrenal cancer treatment:

• What should I expect with surgery for adrenal carcinoma?

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s high-volume Endocrine Oncology Program is widely known and respected for its extensive expertise in adrenal cancer, an uncommon condition that can be challenging to treat. In addition to benefiting from individualized care and the latest treatment options, our patients have unique opportunities to be among the first to access promising new therapies through our robust portfolio of clinical trials. This is just one more way Moffitt is leading the charge in the fight against cancer.

If you would like to learn more about adrenal cancer treatment, you can request an appointment with a specialist at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.