Goserelin in Premenopausal Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer—A Multicenter Study

Abstract:The purpose of the study was to evaluate tumoral response with goserelin, a long‐acting LH‐RH analog in heavily pretreated premenopausal patients (pts) with advanced breast cancer. In a multicenter study, from January 1993 to May 1994, 35 evaluable patients, mean age 39.7 years, with measurable tumor, life expectancy above 3 months, without hormonal treatment or chemotherapy in the previous 30 days, received a minimum of 2 subcutaneous administrations of goserelin, a synthetic agonist analog, as a 28‐day depot. Response was assessed according to Union Internationale Contre Cancer (UICC) criteria. Complete response was obtained in 2 pts. (6%); partial response in 13 pts. (37%), overall response in 43%. Mean complete response duration was 6.5 months (mos.), partial response 6.07 mos. Stable pts. were 6 (20%) for 13 weeks. Progression was registered in 14 pts. (30%). Pain was registered in 11 pts. (36%); in 7 pts. (23.3%), pain disappeared within 3 months. Best results were observed in bone and soft tissue. The average goserelin administration was 27.7 weeks. Minimal to moderate side effects such as hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms were reported in 9 pts. (30%). Bone pain increased in 1 pt. Goserelin was effective in heavily pretreated premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer, independent of hormonal receptor status, previous chemotherapy, and possibly, of ovarian suppression degree. Its association with tamoxifen is to be studied and results should be further determined using a wider sample.