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Treatment of advanced breast cancer with norethisterone acetate
Abstract:
The medical records of 84 postmenopausal women treated with oral norethisterone acetate (NTA) for advanced breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment was devoid of significant toxicity. Twenty-one patients were not evaluable for treatment response either because of insufficient data or inadequate treatment trial. Complete plus partial response was obtained in 21 (33.3%) of the 63 evaluable patients, with a median duration of 10 months. Disease stabilization was observed in 16 (25.4%) patients for a median duration of 5 months, while 26 patients (41.3%) showed progressive disease while on treatment. The best response was observed in women with dominant soft part disease and an age over 70 (CR+PR 48%). The literature on norethisterone acetate is reviewed and compared with present results. The role of progestational agents in the treatment of advanced mammary carcinoma is discussed.
Insights
Oral norethisterone acetate (NTA) showed efficacy in treating advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women, with a 33.3% response rate and minimal toxicity. Best outcomes were seen in older women with soft tissue disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced breast cancer poses a significant challenge in postmenopausal women.
- Progestational agents are explored for their therapeutic potential in mammary carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral norethisterone acetate (NTA) in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.
- To compare findings with existing literature on NTA and progestational agents.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 84 postmenopausal women treated with oral NTA.
- Assessment of treatment response, duration, toxicity, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- Norethisterone acetate (NTA) demonstrated a 33.3% complete or partial response rate in 63 evaluable patients.
- Median response duration was 10 months; 25.4% experienced disease stabilization.
- No significant toxicity was observed; best response rates (48%) were in women over 70 with dominant soft part disease.
Conclusions:
- Oral norethisterone acetate (NTA) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- NTA may be particularly beneficial for older patients with specific disease characteristics.