Androstenedione production by malignant epithelial ovarian tumors

The concentration of plasma androstenedione in women with malignant epithelial ovarian tumors is investigated. Fifty-one postmenopausal and/or oophorectomized women with no other malignant or endocrine disease are included in the study. All FIGO stages and the histologic types I C, II C, III C, and IV are represented. The tumor volumes were evaluated once a month using bimanual rectovaginal palpation under anesthesia. Four blood samples were drawn for androstenedione radioimmunoassay at monthly intervals. The plasma levels were compared with those of a control group of postmenopausal women and a control group of fertile women in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The results show a relationship between tumor volume and plasma androstenedione level. Histologic type and FIGO stage seem to be of subordinate importance and secondary to tumor volume. During chemotherapy the plasma concentration of androstenedione decreased parallel to the reduction in tumor volume. The initial plasma androstenedione concentration seems to have prognostic importance.