Abstract
Postmenopausal women with ‘non-endocrine’ ovarian cancer have previously been reported to have elevated levels of estrogens, androstenedione and progesterone (1, 2, 3, 4). A contribution from the tumor-affected ovary to the elevated steroid levels seems evident (1, 4), though the underlying mechanisms are obscure. After the menopause estrogens are normally formed by peripheral conversion of adrenal androgens, and ovarian function is of little significance. Tuimala et al (2) suggested conversion of adrenal precursors by the tumor tissue as an alternative explanation for the elevated estrogen levels in postmenopausal women with ovarian cancer. If this is so, the levels of adrenal androgens may be important. The weak androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) is of an exclusive adrenal origin and is considered to be the best indicator of adrenal androgen secretion. In order to study a possible relationship between adrenal activity and postmenopausal ‘non-endocrine’ ovarian cancer, we determined the peripheral serum levels of DHAS and total estrone in postmenopausal women with this disease and in strictly age-matched healthy controls.