Hormonal Therapy in Endometrial Carcinoma

Abstract

Hormonal therapy began to be used for endometrial carcinoma after Kelley and Baker (1961) reported that endometrial cancer responded to progestational therapy. Multiple empirical trials of progestational agents in the treatment of this disease were reported during the next two decades. Various response rates were recorded, most between 30% and 50% (Bonte et al. 1978; Geisler 1973; Malkasian et al. 1971; Piver et al. 1980; Rozier and Underwood 1974; Smith et al. 1966; Wait 1973). At least part of the variability in these rates undoubtedly reflected differences in how stringently tumor response was defined. Although complete resolution of systemic disease (for example, multiple pulmonary metastatic lesions) for extended periods can occur with hormonal therapy, such responses unfortunately are exceptions to the norm.