4-Hydroxyandrostenedione treatment for postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer

We have treated 128 postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer with 4-hydroxyandrostenedione. Of these, 118 were assessable for toxicity and 100 for response to treatment. Response to therapy was seen in 34% of patients and stabilization of disease in 12 patients. Three dose regimens were used (500 mg intramuscularly weekly; 250 mg intramuscularly every 2 weeks; and 500 mg orally daily). There was no difference in response in these three groups. Side effects were minimal and local reaction to injected drug was seen in 13% of patients. The sole severe side effect observed was neutropenia which was transient and reversible on discontinuing therapy. 4-Hydroxyandrostenedione is an effective nontoxic agent in the treatment of breast cancer.