Combination hormone therapy for metastatic breast cancer. An ECOG study of megestrol and aminoglutethimide

Cancer. 1987 Nov 1;60(9):2137-40. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19871101)60:9<2137::aid-cncr2820600902>3.0.co;2-r.

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the toxicity and effectiveness of megestrol acetate used with aminoglutethimide-hydrocortisone in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Forty-five patients were treated, 29 of whom were fully eligible. Twelve of the 45 who had diabetes and/or hypertension were also analyzed. All had measurable sites of disease. The median age was 63 years, and the median time from first recurrence to on-study was 19 months. Approximately half the patients already had chemotherapy, and about 90% had hormone therapy for advanced disease. The most common side effects were skin rash, weight gain, hyperglycemia, and renal and neurologic problems. No life-threatening or lethal toxicities were reported. The overall response rate (complete or partial) among the fully eligible patients was 34% (90% confidence intervals from 20% to 51%), with a 5-month median duration of response. Patients with soft tissue, visceral, and osseous disease responded. Seventy-two percent of fully eligible patients have progressed or relapsed. The median time to failure of treatment was 6 months, and the median survival time was 15 months.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminoglutethimide / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / administration & dosage
  • Megestrol / administration & dosage
  • Megestrol / analogs & derivatives
  • Megestrol Acetate
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy

Substances

  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Megestrol
  • Megestrol Acetate
  • Hydrocortisone