Aromatase inhibition in advanced prostatic cancer: preliminary communication.
We report the results of the first use of a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-OHA, CGP 32349), in the palliation of patients with advanced, hormone resistant, prostatic cancer. Twelve of 19 patients (63%), who had relapsed following castration and other therapies, gained significant pain relief following weekly intramuscular injections of 4-OHA. Five patients (31%) experienced a transient 'tumour flare', represented by an increase in bone pain soon after commencing treatment. The mechanism of action of 4-OHA in palliating patients with advanced prostatic cancer is obscure at present, but may represent an important new treatment modality which may lead to greater insight into prostatic biology.
Shearer
R J
RJ
Department of Urology, St Georges Hospital, Tooting, London, UK.
Davies
J H
JH
Dowsett
M
M
Malone
P R
PR
Hedley
A
A
Cunningham
D
D
Coombes
R C
RC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D000735:Androstenedione; C014594:formestane