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.
Department of Urology, St Georges Hospital, Tooting, London, UK.
R J
RJ
Shearer
J H
JH
Davies
M
M
Dowsett
P R
PR
Malone
A
A
Hedley
D
D
Cunningham
R C
RC
Coombes
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