Impact of progestin and estrogen potency in oral contraceptives on ovarian cancer risk.
BACKGROUND
Oral contraceptive (OC) use is associated with a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer, but the mechanism for the risk reduction has not been well defined. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the progestin and estrogen potency in combination OCs and the risk of developing ovarian cancer.


METHODS
The study included 390 case subjects with epithelial ovarian cancer and 2865 control subjects, between 20 and 54 years of age, identified from the Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between ovarian cancer risk and combination OC formulations while controlling for potential confounders. All statistical tests were two-sided.


RESULTS
With users of high-progestin/high-estrogen potency OC as the referent group, users of low-progestin/high-estrogen potency formulations (adjusted OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.7) and low-progestin/low-estrogen potency formulations (adjusted OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 0.9 to 3.0) had a higher risk of ovarian cancer than users of high-progestin/high-estrogen potency formulation. Low-progestin potency OC formulations were associated with a statistically significant higher risk than high-progestin potency formulations (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.9). This association was seen even among users of short duration.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination OC formulations with high-progestin potency appear to be associated with a greater reduction in ovarian cancer risk than those with low-progestin potency. Mechanisms underlying this reduction may include inhibition of ovulation and/or some direct biologic effects of the progestin.
Schildkraut
Joellen M
JM
Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. schil001@mc.duke.edu
Calingaert
Brian
B
Marchbanks
Polly A
PA
Moorman
Patricia G
PG
Rodriguez
Gustavo C
GC
D000328:Adult; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012306:Risk
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins