4-Hydroxyandrostenedione treatment for postmenopausal patients with breast cancer.

Patients (186) with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer were treated with the aromatase inhibitor 4-hydroxyandrostenedione given parenterally at 3 different doses. 21% of patients responded to treatment, 93% of objective responders whose oestrogen receptor (ER) status was known had ER positive tumours. The drug was well-tolerated particularly at a dose of 250 mg i.m. every fortnight. At this dose, only 4/96 (4%) patients had to discontinue treatment. We conclude that 4-hydroxyandrostenedione is a well-tolerated form of endocrine treatment for postmenopausal patients with breast cancer.