Abstract

PIP: Approximately 1/3 of all mammary carcinomas are hormone-dependent. Therefore in approximately 30% of these cancer patients transient regression of the tumor may be obtained by means of endocrine therapy. Ablative procedures such as ovariectomy, adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy, roentgen castration, and destruction of the hypophysis by isotope implantation have been used. Administration of such hormones as estrogens, androgens, and corticosteroids and of hormone antagonists have been attempted. Remissions have been observed under the influence of L-dopa. A method to determine the hormone dependency of a mammary tumor is now available. The presence of estrogen receptors in human mammary carcinomas has a distinct correlation with the response to adrenalectomy. In the absence of receptors the chance of success of hormone therapy is minimal. Currently 51 patients have been found suitable for analysis. Remissions occurred in 21 of 24 patients with receptor-positive tumors but in only 3 of 27 with receptor-negative tumors. It was noted that those with cutaneous metastases more often respond favorably to endorcrine therapy than do those with skeletal or visceral metastases. No complete parallelism was found between hormone dependency and the presence of receptors. In 2 of the 3 receptor-positive patients who did not show an objective remission, a distinct subjective remission was noted. It is recommended that receptor determinations be done in every mammary tumor case operated on in the primary stage.