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Progesterone Drug Boosts Breast Cancer Therapy
6 Jan
Summary
- Megestrol, a progesterone mimic, showed promise in slowing tumor growth.
- Low-dose megestrol enhanced standard anti-estrogen therapy effectiveness.
- Further studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits beyond two weeks.
A synthetic version of progesterone, known as megestrol, is showing potential to enhance treatments for hormone-fueled breast cancer. Recent research indicates that incorporating this drug alongside standard anti-estrogen therapy can more effectively slow tumor growth in women with ER-positive breast cancers.
In a study conducted over two weeks prior to surgery, researchers observed that adding either a low or high dose of megestrol to letrozole, a common hormone therapy drug, boosted the effectiveness of blocking tumor growth. Notably, even a quarter of the higher licensed dose yielded significant results, suggesting fewer side effects.
While these findings are encouraging for women with ER-positive breast cancer, further investigation is required to determine if megestrol offers similar benefits when prescribed for extended durations. The drug is already used in low doses to manage hot flashes associated with hormone therapy.
