Calusterone therapy for advanced breast cancer

Calusterone was given at a dose of 200 mg daily to 45 postmenopausal patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer. Of the 40 evaluable patients, 11 were unable to tolerate the drug because of severe toxicity. Objective regression of soft tissue disease and relief of bone pain were seen in four patients (9.1%) for an average duration of 15.2 weeks. Thirteen patients showed an arrest of disease progression. In 12 patients the lesions continued to progress in spite of therapy. Toxic effects consisting of nausea, vomiting, fluid retention, SGOT elevation, and androgenic side effects were seen in 33 patients (75%), necessitating discontinuation of the drug in 11 (25%).