Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs for the treatment of breast and prostatic carcinoma.
'Superagonist' analogs of GnRH produce a paradoxical inhibition of gonadotropin secretion when given on a long-term basis, and may well produce a more complete 'medical oophorectomy' than antiestrogens in premenopausal breast cancer patients. Here we review the background and pharmacology of these agents, together with the experience of their use with prostate cancer and early trials in breast cancer. Their effectiveness without significant toxicity, together with new biodegradable implants for their easily acceptable long-term administration, suggest that a highly selective medical means of fully inhibiting ovarian estrogen production is now available for more extensive trials in breast cancer patients.
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / Q000187:drug effects*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone