A NEW TREATMENT FOR ENDOMETRIAL CANCER WITH GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE ANALOG

Objective - To test the antitumour effect of gonadotrophin releasing-hormone (GnRH) analogues in women with recurrent endometrial cancer. Design - An open phase II observational trial of GnRH analogues. Serial measurements of gonadotrophins, sex hormones and tumour dimensions were made together with repeat biopsy when possible to assess the response to treatment. Setting - The outpatient clinics of the Department of Medical Oncology at The Royal London, Royal Marsden and St Bartholomew's hospitals. Subjects - 17 patients with endometrial cancer which had recurred after surgery, radiotherapy and progesterone treatment and was symptomatic, progressive and assessable for response. Intervention - Monthly subcutaneous injection of GnRH analogue. Main outcome measures - Reduction in serum gonadotrophins and reduction in tumour dimensions. Results - Six out of 17 patients (35%,95% CI 12.6-58%) achieved a complete or partial remission which continues for a median of 20 months with no adverse effects. Conclusion - GnRH analogues have a significant antitumour effect in recurrent endometrial cancer which warrants further examination in comparison with progestogens.