Use of a long-acting GnRH agonist for benign cystic mesothelioma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Benign cystic mesothelioma, a tumor characteristically found in women during the reproductive years, is rare after bilateral oophorectomy or menopause, suggesting hormonal sensitivity.

CASE:

We treated a 17-year-old woman with a rapidly increasing and symptomatic benign cystic mesothelioma with a long-acting GnRH agonist. A rapid and continued reduction in volume corresponded to the induction and maintenance of a hypoestrogenic state over a 6-month period. However, the subsequent addition of a combination of estrogen and progestin (known as add-back therapy) resulted in a gradual increase in cyst volume, which progressed after discontinuation of all therapy. Resumption of GnRH-analog therapy alone reduced cyst volume again, and the patient underwent surgical removal.

CONCLUSION:

Long-acting GnRH agonists may have a role in the conservative management of these rare neoplasms. The reduction in volume concomitant with a hypoestrogenic state and regrowth with addition of add-back therapy further suggest extreme sensitivity of this tumor to one or both hormones.

• Authors: G S Letterie, J L Yon
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 85 Issue 5 Pt 2 Pg. 901-3 (May 1995) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7724156 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Progestins
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Estrogen Replacement Therapy
• Female
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Humans
• Mesothelioma, Cystic (drug therapy, surgery)
• Pelvic Neoplasms (drug therapy, surgery)
• Peritoneal Neoplasms (drug therapy, surgery)
• Progestins (therapeutic use)