Related Experiment Videos
Oral gestrinone: a novel antiprogestin with no antitumor activity in endocrine-sensitive breast cancer
D Cunningham1, J C Gazet, H T Ford
1St. George's Hospital, London, England.
Abstract:
We have treated 15 patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer using the synthetic 19-norsteroid gestrinone (2.5 mg orally every 3 days). All patients had assessable disease and endocrine-sensitive tumors, as defined by a previous positive response to endocrine therapy. There were no objective responses. Six patients had disease stabilization and nine had progressive disease on treatment. Seven patients were given endocrine therapy after gestrinone and three have responded. Gestrinone has no significant antitumor activity in hormone-sensitive breast cancer. This, however, does not preclude its use in benign breast disease, particularly since other agents used for benign breast disease can mask occult primary carcinoma.
Insights
Gestrinone, a synthetic steroid, showed no significant antitumor activity in patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Further research is needed to explore its potential in benign breast conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hormone-sensitive breast cancer often relies on endocrine therapy.
- Gestrinone is a synthetic 19-norsteroid with potential endocrine effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumor activity of gestrinone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- A total of 15 patients with assessable, endocrine-sensitive breast cancer were treated with gestrinone (2.5 mg orally every 3 days).
- Tumor response was assessed based on objective responses, disease stabilization, and progression.
Main Results:
- No objective antitumor responses were observed in any of the patients.
- Six patients experienced disease stabilization, while nine patients had progressive disease during gestrinone treatment.
- Following gestrinone, three out of seven patients responded to subsequent endocrine therapy.
Conclusions:
- Gestrinone demonstrates no significant antitumor activity in hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
- The study suggests gestrinone may not be effective for advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
- Its potential utility in benign breast disease warrants further investigation, considering its hormonal activity.