Circulating Levels of 17--Estradiol, Testosterone and Progesterone in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Anticancer Chemotherapy

Abstract

Plasma levels of steroid hormones (17/1-estradiol, testosterone and progesterone were determined in postmenopausal women suffering from breast cancer, cancers other than breast and normal healthy subjects. The levels of all steroids were considerably higher in breast cancer patients than the other two groups. During the five month sampling period, estradiol levels decreased in breast cancer patients after CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-flourouracil) therapy, but there was no significant change in the concentration of testosterone and progesterone. In the patients suffering from cancers other than breast and healthy controls, the levels of all the three steroids remained steady throughout the sampling period. Knowledge of the hormonal status of postmenopausal women facilitates the choice and timing of chemotherapy for controlling the disease.