[Hormone substitution after carcinoma]

The colorectal carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignomas in western countries. Therefore the gynecologist often will be confronted with the question whether a hormone replacement with sexual steroids is allowed after a curative operation.

Basing on the data of several international publications we have substituted in an own study from 1989 to 1997 42 women with colon and 10 with rectal cancer after successful operation with a combined preparation.

In the meantime it could be proved that in the cells of colorectal carcinomas estrogen and progesterone receptors are absent or only existing in a low concentration. Thus analogous to the receptor positive breast cancer the hormone replacement therapy also after curative treatment of a colorectal cancer should be justified. Therefore the benefit of the individual hormone replacement therapy shouldn't be withheld from these women without worsening the prognosis.

After palliative therapy and in the case of a relapse a combined hormone replacement can be an act for diminishing the disease and should be recommended after a corresponding clearing-up and weighing the risk.