METHYL TESTOSTERONE AND SURGICAL CASTRATION IN THE TREATMENT OF CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST

Abstract

The possibilities of using androgens to "medically castrate" the [female] patient suffering from carcinoma of the breast are discussed. Surgical castration is more definitive than irradiation castration, but absolute removal of the ovaries still does not answer the problem of extra-ovarian sources of estrogens. The ability of androgens to antagonize the effects of estrogens might offer certain theoretical advantages, but their marked growth-stimulating properties makes it unwise to treat the patient with carcinoma without due caution. A young woman suffering from extensive metastatic carcinoma of the breast was treated by surgical castration and concurrent doses of methyl testosterone totaling 1,440 mg. Masculinizing effects were noted and menopausal symptoms were held in abeyance while methyl testosterone was given. An observation of interest was the vaginal smear showing full estrogen effect (Shorr''s stain) after 4 mos. of treatment with methyl testosterone. "Medical castration" needs further investigation in the treatment of breast carcinoma. It may very well have a place in the palliative treatment of this condition.