Value Based Healthcare and the Expectations and Experiences in Pituitary Tumor Treatment

Pituitary tumors occur in an estimated 2,0/100.000 persons per year16 and can
lead to a substantial decrease in quality of life.8-15 Depending on the tumor
type, size and complaints a tumor can either be surgically resected or
medically treated. Results from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)
have shown that a biochemical remission can be achieved in 66% and 72% of the
Acromegaly and Cushing patients. Visual improvement was seen in 82% of the
Non-functioning macroadenomas after surgery17 and a curation rate of 67% has
been achieved in intolerant/resistant Prolactinoma patients at 6 months after
surgery.30 So far, knowledge on patient expectations of treatment is scarce.

To describe the treatment expectations of patients with a pituitary tumor
undergoing treatment as well as patients' evaluation of the perioperative
trajectory. Moreover, we will determine the fulfilment of expectations and
clinical outcomes until 6 months after treatment.

Observational, longitudinal and monocenter design

There is no additional risk involved considering the observational nature of
the study. The only possible burden patients could experience is the additional
time it costs them. They will be asked to fill out questionnaires, which will
be assessed around their standard care. It takes approximately 45 minutes to
fill out the forms.