Effects of High Dose Ketoconazole in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): A.L. Harris, B.M.J. Cantwell, M. Dowsett
Primary Institution: University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Department of Clinical Oncology
Hypothesis
Can high dose ketoconazole effectively suppress androgen levels in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
High dose ketoconazole significantly suppressed testosterone levels in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, but was poorly tolerated.
Supporting Evidence
- Testosterone levels fell significantly by 37% over a 3 week period.
- SHBG levels rose over the 3 week period.
- Two patients on aminoglutethimide showed suppression of testosterone levels with ketoconazole.
Takeaway
This study tested a medicine called ketoconazole to see if it could lower certain hormones in women with breast cancer, but many women had a hard time taking it.
Methodology
The study involved 14 postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who were given high doses of ketoconazole and monitored for hormone levels and side effects.
Limitations
The study had a high dropout rate due to gastrointestinal side effects, limiting the assessment of ketoconazole's effectiveness.
Participant Demographics
All participants were postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.025
Statistical Significance
p<0.025
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