Trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy in disseminated carcinoma of the breast

One hundred and eight patients with advanced carcinoma of the breast were treated by trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy and followed up for at least 1 year. The results were assessed both by clinical response and objectively by survival following hypophysectomy, as expressed by the survival ratio. The two methods showed close correlation. The results show that there is a variation in response relating to menopausal status and age at diagnosis, subsequent hormonal manipulaton and physical condition at hypophysectomy. Younger patients whose carcinoma is diagnosed after menopause carry a good prognosis, yet the older premenopausal patients, especially if their clinical condition is poor, do not benefit. Easily available clinical information can be a guide to prognosis.