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Malignant melanoma: an androgen-dependent tumour?
Lancet (London, England)
|March 15, 1980
Summary
Malignant melanoma progresses slower in women than men, with longer survival times. This suggests melanoma may be androgen-dependent, warranting anti-androgen therapy consideration in men.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is a significant health concern.
- Understanding sex-based differences in disease progression is crucial for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in the clinical course and metastatic spread of malignant melanoma.
- To explore the potential role of androgens in melanoma progression.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 688 melanoma patients diagnosed between 1956 and 1978.
- Comparison of disease progression intervals, survival times, and tumor doubling times between male and female patients.
Main Results:
- Female patients exhibited longer, though not statistically significant, intervals between disease stages.
- Significantly longer survival times were observed in women post-metastasis.
- Pulmonary secondary tumors showed a trend towards slower growth rates in females.
Conclusions:
- Malignant melanoma may be an androgen-dependent tumor.
- Therapeutic strategies involving anti-androgens or orchidectomy should be considered for male patients with metastatic melanoma.