Combined Hormonal and Cytotoxic Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer.

Abstract

The authors refer on a clinical trial conducted on a group of 32 women with advanced breast cancer, in order to evaluate the effects of the combined hormonal and cytotoxic treatment of the disease. An androgen compound (2 α-methyl-dihydrotestosterone or n-ottil-enolic ether of dihydrotestosterone) and a cytotoxic substance (Cyclophosphamide) were administrated i. m.; the dose of Cyclophosphamide was 100 mg a day, whereas the dose of the hormonal compound was 100 mg 3 times a week. The treatment was continued over a period of time ranging from 2 to 23 months; the administration of Cyclophosphamide was discontinued for a short period only in case of marked leukopenia: in the course of the therapy the expected side-effects were noted, but they were never of great importance. An objective improvement was obtained in 18 patients; the mean duration of this improvement was of 8,5 months. In 8 women the neoplastic lesions remained unchanged, while in 6 patients a progression of the disease was noted. After a review of the most important records of the world literature on the subject, the authors come to the conclusion that this form of combined therapy may be of some use, particularly in those patients who are not responsive to endocrine ablation. Moreover, the possibility of long term treatments is emphasized, for the lack of any notable, unwanted side-effect.