Megestrol acetate in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
No consolidated medical treatment has yet been established for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A possible interference of hormones in the pathogenesis and cellular growth of HCC has been suggested.


METHODS
To evaluate the activity and tolerance of progestins in HCC, patients were treated with megestrol acetate orally at a dose of 160 mg daily until progression of disease or grade III-IV toxicity was observed.


RESULTS
Eleven patients entered the study and were assessable for response and side effects. Median duration of treatment was 80 days (range 60-150). No major responses were observed, 4 patients had stabilization of disease for at least 2 months, and 7 had progressive disease. Median time to disease progression was 3 months (range 2-5). Three patients required interruption of treatment because of toxicity (2 patients had worsening of concomitant diabetes and 1 patient had gastric bleeding).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study suggest that hormone therapy with megestrol acetate has no significant role in HCC.
Colleoni
M
M
Division of Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy.
Nelli
P
P
Vicario
G
G
Mastropasqua
G
G
Manente
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008535:Megestrol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019290:Megestrol Acetate; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008535:Megestrol; D019290:Megestrol Acetate