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Use of LH-RH agonists in the treatment of breast disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

R. I. Nicholson  and
K. J. Walker
R. I. Nicholson
Affiliation:
Tenovus Institute for Cancer Research, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF4 4XX, U.K.
K. J. Walker
Affiliation:
Tenovus Institute for Cancer Research, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF4 4XX, U.K.
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Synopsis

The effects of LH-RH agonists in advanced breast cancer patients are reviewed and compared to the efficacy of surgical ablation of the ovaries and X-ray induced menopause in the treatment of this disease. In both pre- and postmenopausal women, LH-RH agonists produce pituitary gland desensitisation and a fall in concentrations of LH and FSH. In premenopausal patients plasma progesterone and oestradiol levels fall to the castrate or postmenopausal range within three to four weeks. Tumour remissions have been observed in approximately 30% of premenopausal women (50% ER-positive) and approximately 10% of postmenopausal patients. The mechanism of action of LH-RH agonists is discussed and their current application to combined endocrine therapy, early breast cancer and mastalgia briefly outlined.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 95: Oestrogen and the Human Breast , 1989 , pp. 271 - 281
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1989

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