[Hormonal therapy with androgenic steroids in diffuse malignant neoplasms of the breast]

2-alpha-methyl-17-beta hydroxy-androstan-3-one was given to advanced breast cancer patients whose general condition (preterminal in many cases) or haematological picture precluded other cytostatic management. Rapid progression of the tumour was noted in 65%, improvement in 15% and no change in 20%. It is felt that androgens alone should only be given where other more effective treatments are contraindicated. They can be associated with polychemotherapeutic courses to exploit their anabolising and antianaemic activity.