> Ovarian Suppression (Therapies that Stop the Ovaries from Producing Hormones)
One way to slow the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in premenopausal women is ovarian suppression. Ovarian suppression (most often using drugs) shuts down the ovaries to stop them from making estrogen. This lowers hormone levels in the body (similar to a natural menopause), so the tumor cannot get the estrogen it needs to grow.
Ovarian suppression is only an option for premenopausal women. It is not helpful in postmenopausal women, since the ovaries do not make much estrogen after menopause.
Types of ovarian suppression
Drug therapy
Ovarian suppression drugs such as leuprolie (Lupron) or goserelin (Zoladex) can temporarily stop the production of estrogen by the ovaries. In most cases, once drug therapy is stopped, the ovaries begin making estrogen again. This helps women avoid early menopause.
To learn more about goserelin and other ovarian suppression drugs, visit the National Institutes of Health’s Medline Plus website.
Radiation and surgery
Ovarian suppression can also be achieved with radiation to the ovaries or surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy). These treatments permanently stop the production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to early menopause.
Ongoing studies of ovarian suppression
Among premenopausal women, ovarian suppression drug therapies have been shown in some studies to be as effective as chemotherapy in treating hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer [64]. However, standard treatment for these breast cancers is tamoxifen, with or without chemotherapy.
It is not yet clear if any type of ovarian suppression (with drugs, radiation or surgery) adds major benefit. This question is being addressed in ongoing clinical trials.
Updated 05/20/11
