Obituary for Jacqueline Trouillas (1944–2026)
Jacqueline Trouillas (1944–2026): dedicated to excellence in patient care, research and education.
We share the sadness of the medical and scientific community and especially those she worked with in Lyon and in the Société Française d’Endocrinologie, about Professor Jacqueline Trouillas, who passed away on 1 September 2026 at the age of 81. A physician, endocrinologist, Doctor of Science and university professor, she dedicated her life to excellence in patient care, research and education.
A pioneering career in Lyon
Based at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University and the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Professor Trouillas influenced several generations of healthcare professionals. Having collaborated closely with Professor Claude Girod, she headed the Laboratory of Molecular Histology and Embryology at the Laennec School of Medicine for many years.
A passionate teacher who was close to her students, she was renowned for her lectures, which combined theatrical flair with rigorous pedagogical standards in embryology and histology. Beyond science, she was admired for her kindness and her close relationship with her students. She was always available to support them when they faced difficulties or to guide them in their career choices.
A major contribution to pituitary pathology
From a scientific standpoint, her name will forever be associated with significant advances in endocrinology, particularly due to her pioneering work on:
• The immunohistochemical characterisation of pituitary tumours.
• The use of animal models, as demonstrated by his seminal publications on spontaneous pituitary tumours in rats, which allowed her to concentrate her research on the mechanisms of pituitary tumourigenesis.
• The creation of tumour banks, well before the advent of modern molecular biology. Through national collaborations, these enabled the development of a prognostic clinico-pathological classification of pituitary tumours known as 'HYPOPRONOS', now referred to as the 'Trouillas Classification'.
• A cross-disciplinary, multidisciplinary approach, bringing together pathologists, neurosurgeons, endocrinologists and biologists to focus on tumour prognosis and personalised care.
This research has all contributed to the identification of aggressive and malignant pituitary tumours. It enables prognosis-based management, which is now incorporated into the joint recommendations of the European Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society.
International influence and the art of knowledge transfer
Her expertise has earned her undisputed international recognition. Dedicated to sharing her knowledge and fostering international collaborations, she established the EuroPit course in 2012 under the auspices of the European Society of Endocrinology. This course brings together young endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, and pathologists.
In 2023, the European Society of Endocrinology awarded her with a ‘Special Recognition Award’: In recognition of her being instrumental in launching the highly respected EuroPit meeting. EuroPit, which had its 10th anniversary in 2022 and continues to be one of the foremost courses in this area to this day, is a key part of Jaqueline’s legacy and the ‘spirit of EuroPit’ continues.
The memory and impact of Jacqueline Trouillas will remain deeply embedded in the history of endocrinology in Lyon, in the European Society of Endocrinology and beyond, as well as in the memories of all those she trained, inspired and mentored.
Professor Jacqueline Trouillas (1944–2026)
04/09/2026