Endometrial Cancer

Reports from Z. Eftekhar and co-researchers add new data to research in adenocarcinoma

"The treatment initiated with 160 mg/d of megestrol acetate. The patients underwent dilatation and curettage and hysteroscopy after 3 months, and in cases of normal pathology, the therapy continued for another 3-month period. In patients who did not respond to treatment, the dosage of the drug was doubled (320 mg/d), and the therapy Continued for -,mother 3 months. At the second time, patients who did not respond to treatment were recommended for hysterectomy, and in patients who responded to treatment, an additional 3 months of treatment with megestrol acetate (320 mg/d) was administered. Our results showed a response rate of 85.71% (18 patients), and 3 patients underwent hysterectomy. The mean (SD) treatment duration was 8.85 (2.00) months (range, 6-12 months). The response to therapy was observed in 5 patients (27.78%) with a dosage of 160 mg/d, and the remaining patients with 320 mg/d. Pregnancy occurred in 5 patients (27.78%). Recurrence happened in 3 (16.67%) of 18 patients who responded to treatment who did not give a permit to undergo hysterectomy and received medication again. Two (66.67%) of these patient,.; experienced remission again, whereas the other one was candidate for hysterectomy. The results of this study show that, when an initial response is not achieved or when disease recurs, use of 320 mg/d seems to be associated with a better therapeutic response," wrote Z. Eftekhar and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Furthermore, serious complications were not observed with this dosage."

Eftekhar and colleagues published the results of their research in International Journal of Gynecological Cancer (Efficacy of Megestrol Acetate (Megace) in the Treatment of Patients With Early Endometrial Adenocarcinoma: Our Experiences With 21 Patients. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 2009;19(2):249-252).

For additional information, contact Z. Eftekhar, Mirza Koochak Khan Hospital, Dept. of Gynecology Oncology, Nejatollahi St., Karim Khan Zand Avenue, Tehran, Iran.

The publisher of the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer can be contacted at: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: Iran, Adenocarcinoma, Antineoplastic, Clinical Trial Research, Contraceptive, Curettage, Drugs, Endometrial Cancer, Endometrial Carcinoma, Gynecology, Hysterectomy, Hysteroscopy, Megace, Megestrol Acetate, Obstetrics, Oncology, Pathology, Pharmaceuticals, Pregnancy, Surgery, Therapy, Treatment, Women's Health.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.