Medrogestone and an LHRH Analogue as Potential Combination Therapy for Hormone-Dependent Cancers

Abstract

Treatment (5 mg/kg s.c. for 1 to 4 weeks) of adult male rats with medrogestone (Colprone), a compound with progestational and antiandrogenic properties, induced significant atrophy of the ventral prostate without affecting testicular weight, testicular LH/hCG receptor levels or plasma testosterone. The potent LHRH agonist (D-Ala⁶, des-Gly-NH₂¹⁰) LHRH ethylamide at 500 ng s.c. for 2-4 weeks suppressed the testicular weight, testicular LH/hCG receptor levels, plasma testosterone levels, and caused atrophy of the androgen-dependent seminal vesicles and ventral prostate. The combination 4 week-treatment of medrogestone and LHRH agonist led to the most significant decrease of prostatic weight. The potential usefulness of this combination therapy in hormone-dependent cancers is discussed.

Key Words:

• Medrogestone
• (D-Ala⁶, des-Gly-NH₂¹⁰) LHRH ethylamide
• Testicular LH/hCG receptors
• Testes
• Prostate
• Testosterone