title: [Phase II study of medroxyprogesterone acetate in advanced breast cancer].
abstract: A phase II study of high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was performed in 18 patients with advanced breast cancer. MPA was administered at a dosage of 1,200mg orally per day. Of the 15 evaluable patients, partial response was obtained in 3, minor response in 1, no change in 5 and progressive disease in 6 patients. The response rate was 20%, which was as effective as that of tamoxifen. As the responders had been previously treated with tamoxifen, the result suggested that MPA showed no cross-resistance to the latter. Eight patients (53%) experienced weight gain which, in 4 cases (27%), necessitated discontinuation of the treatment. One patient exhibited an allergic reaction and the drug was discontinued. Palpitation in 4 patients (27%), vaginal bleeding in 2 (13%), and edema in 1 (7%) were observed, but these effects were tolerable. We therefore conclude that high-dose MPA is an effective therapy for advanced breast cancer, and that further study is warranted.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone