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  • Clinical Oncology/Epidemiology
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Clinical Oncology/Epidemiology

Aromatase inhibition in advanced prostatic cancer: preliminary communication

British Journal of Cancer volume 62, pages 275–276 (1990)Cite this article

Abstract

We report the results of the first use of a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-OHA, CGP 32349), in the palliation of patients with advanced, hormone resistant, prostatic cancer. Twelve of 19 patients (63%), who had relapsed following castration and other therapies, gained significant pain relief following weekly intramuscular injections of 4-OHA. Five patients (31%) experienced a transient 'tumour flare', represented by an increase in bone pain soon after commencing treatment. The mechanism of action of 4-OHA in palliating patients with advanced prostatic cancer is obscure at present, but may represent an important new treatment modality which may lead to greater insight into prostatic biology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, St Georges Hospital, Tooting, London, UK

    RJ Shearer

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  1. RJ Shearer
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  2. JH Davies
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  3. M Dowsett
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  4. PR Malone
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  5. A Hedley
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  6. D Cunningham
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  7. RC Coombes
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Shearer, R., Davies, J., Dowsett, M. et al. Aromatase inhibition in advanced prostatic cancer: preliminary communication. Br J Cancer 62, 275–276 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1990.276

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1990.276

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