Ovarian function suppression with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue goserelin in premenopausal advanced breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Goserelin is a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue that induces the suppression of gonadal steroidogenesis, and it could therefore be a medical alternative to irreversible surgical castration. We report the clinical and endocrine results from 40 goserelin-treated premenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer.


METHODS
A depot formulation of the drug (3.6 mg s.c.) was administered fortnightly for the first 4 doses, and monthly thereafter. Gonadotrophins and estradiol (E2) levels were measured before and at specific times during the treatment.


RESULTS
Objective responses were observed in 17 of the 38 evaluable patients (45%), six of whom achieved complete remission. The best responses were observed on soft tissues (65%). Castration E2 levels were achieved in all of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm that goserelin is as effective as surgical oophorectomy in premenopausal advanced breast cancer.
Bajetta
E
E
Division of Medical Oncology B, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
Celio
L
L
Zilembo
N
N
Bono
A
A
Galluzzo
D
D
Zampino
M G
MG
Longhi
A
A
Ferrari
L
L
Buzzoni
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood; D017273:Goserelin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects; D017697:Premenopause; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004967:Estrogens; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D017273:Goserelin; D011374:Progesterone