Endocrinologists are continuing to debate the possible link between acromegaly and cancer, but have not made an absolute connection–if anything, researchers have noted great inconsistencies in their findings.
While that may seem like a bad thing, it’s really not. Finding erroneous data helps weed out faulty conclusions, even if it means going back to square one in the lab.
For those whose lives are forever changed by acromegaly, research is more important than ever.
The Hugo brothers, Baptiste and Antoine Hugo, both had acromegaly caused by pituitary tumors.
The brothers worked for Ringling Brothers Circus, and traveled extensively. You’ll notice however, both of them died relatively young. Today, there are treatments for this rare disorder. Limiting the production of human growth hormone (GH), surgery, and medications, and sometimes radiation therapy are used to alleviate symptoms, and to stop continued growth. These are treatments that weren’t available to the Hugo Brothers. As a result, today, many people with acromegaly are living longer, healthier lives.
