Aminoglutethimide--a new endocrine therapy in breast cancer. A cancer research review.

Abstract

Aminoglutethimide is an effective treatment for advanced postmenopausal breast cancer, acting in a novel way. It inhibits peripheral and tumour aromatase, which converts androgens to oestrogens. Marked suppression of oestrone and oestradiol is produced. Aminoglutethimide was used as an inhibitor of adrenal steroid biosynthesis, but the concentrations required to inhibit aromatase in vitro are 10 times lower. This has led to its clinical evaluation in much lower doses. Doses of 125 mg twice daily produce oestrogen suppression equivalent to conventional doses of 1 g daily, and also similar tumour responses. Toxicity is much reduced by the lower dose.

• Authors: A L Harris
• Journal: Experimental cell biology (Exp Cell Biol) Vol. 53 Issue 1 Pg. 1-8 ( 1985) ISSN: 0304-3568 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 3881300 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Aromatase Inhibitors
• Estrogens
• Aminoglutethimide
• Lyases

Topics

• Adrenal Glands (drug effects)
• Aminoglutethimide (therapeutic use)
• Aromatase Inhibitors
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Estrogens (biosynthesis)
• Female
• Humans
• Lyases (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Ovary (drug effects)