[Radioimmunological analysis of gonadotropic and steroid hormones in breast cancer]

A study of the blood levels of gonadotropic and steroid hormones in 321 breast cancer patients has shown that the basal levels of gonadotropin concentration in them exceed the control values (p less than 0.05); those of the follicle-stimulating hormone--in 54.1% of patients at reproductive age and in menopause less than 5 years and in 33.8% of patients in menopause over 5 years; those of luteotropin--in 50 and 93.5% of patients, respectively. Low basal levels of estradiol and progesterone were found more than 70% of breast cancer patients. A significant decrease in the level of the above hormones (p less than 0.05) was noted after polychemotherapy. An increase in the levels of corticotropin (in 54.5-65.2% of patients) and cortisol (in 81.6-84.3% of patients) was noted with progression of breast cancer. Data on the above hormones can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic test.