> Therapies that Stop the Ovaries from Producing Hormones (Ovarian Suppression)
One way to slow the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in younger, premenopausal women is to stop the ovaries from making estrogen (also called ovarian suppression). This lowers hormone levels in the body, so that the tumor cannot get the estrogen it needs to grow.
In the past, the ovaries were treated with radiation or surgically removed to permanently stop the production of estrogen and progesterone. Today, however, drugs like goserelin (Zoladex) are used more often because they can temporarily halt the production of estrogen by the ovaries. In most cases, once drug therapy is stopped, the ovaries make estrogen normally again. This gives women the chance to avoid early menopause.
These drugs are only an option for premenopausal women. They are not helpful in postmenopausal women, since the ovaries make only very small amounts of estrogen after menopause.
Among premenopausal women, these drug therapies have been shown in some studies to be as effective as chemotherapy in treating hormone receptor-positive early stage breast cancer [40]. However, the current standard treatment for these breast cancers is tamoxifen, with or without chemotherapy. It is not yet clear if stopping the ovaries from producing hormones (either by surgery, radiation or drugs) adds major benefit. This question is being addressed in ongoing clinical trials.
Updated 08/25/09
