Combination hormone therapy for metastatic breast cancer: An ECOG study of megestrol and aminoglutethimide

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the toxicity and effectiveness of megestrol acetate used with aminoglutethimide‐hydrocortisone in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Forty‐five patients were treated, 29 of whom were fully eligible. Twelve of the 45 who had diabetes and/or hypertension were also analyzed. All had measurable sites of disease. The median age was 63 years, and the median time from first recurrence to on‐study was 19 months. Approximately half the patients already had chemotherapy, and about 90% had hormone therapy for advanced disease. The most common side effects were skin rash, weight gain, hyperglycemia, and renal and neurologic problems. No life‐threatening or lethal toxicities were reported. The overall response rate (complete or partial) among the fully eligible patients was 34% (90% confidence intervals from 20% to 51%), with a 5‐month median duration of response. Patients with soft tissue, visceral, and osseous disease responded. Seventy‐two percent of fully eligible patients have progressed or relapsed. The median time to failure of treatment was 6 months, and the median survival time was 15 months. Copyright © 1987 American Cancer Society