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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.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Exp Cell Biol

Publication Date

1985

Volume

53

Pages

1 - 8

Keywords

Adrenal Glands, Aminoglutethimide, Aromatase Inhibitors, Breast Neoplasms, Estrogens, Female, Humans, Lyases, Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent, Ovary