title: Plasma 20 alpha-OH-progesterone in women with malignant epithelial 'non-endocrine' ovarian tumors.
abstract: The production of 20 alpha-OH-progesterone (20 alpha-OH-P) in women with malignant epithelial ovarian tumors was investigated. The study material comprised 51 postmenopausal and/or oophorectomized women with ovarian carcinoma, including the histological types Ic, IIc, IIIc and V and FIGO stages I-IV. Their tumor volumes were evaluated once a month using bimanual recto-vaginal palpation under anesthesia. Blood samples were drawn for 20 alpha-OH-P radio-immunoassay at monthly intervals for 3 months. The plasma levels were compared with those of a control group of postmenopausal women. The results show a relationship between tumor volume and plasma 20 alpha-OH-P level. Another finding is that endometrioid ovarian cancer (histologically IIIc) showed a significantly lower 20 alpha-OH-P production than the other types. The reason for this is discussed.
mesh_terms: D004092:20-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D004092:20-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone; D011374:Progesterone