A randomized trial of progestogens in the primary treatment of endometrial carcinoma

A randomized trial was arranged in Yorkshire to assess whether progestogens would improve survival as part of the primary treatment of endometrial carcinoma, in conjunction with surgery and radiotherapy. A total of 429 patients was randomized on diagnosis to the progestogen or control group and treated locally according to an agreed protocol. All the patients are now more than 1 year after operation and over half are more than 5 years after operation. The projected overall 5-year survival rate is 76% but contrary to expectation there is no statistically significant difference in survival between the patients treated with progestogens and the control group even after statistical adjustment for known prognostic factors.