Gn-RH agonists in breast and gynaecologic cancer treatment

The effects of Gn-RH agonists in advanced breast cancer patients have been examined. In both pre- and postmenopausal women they produce pituitary gland desensitisation and a fall in circulating concentrations of LH and FSH. In premenopausal patients plasma progesterone and oestradiol levels fall to the castrate or postmenopausal range within 3-4 weeks. Tumour remissions have been observed in approximately 30% of premenopausal women and approximately 10% of postmenopausal patients. The mechanism of action of Gn-RH agonists is discussed and their use projected to other tumour types.