Advanced indications for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in gynecological oncology (review)

Michiyo Sugiyama, Sugiyama M, Atsushi Imai, Imai A, Seiji Takahashi, Takahashi S, Hirano S, Satoko Hirano, Furui T, Tatsuro Furui, Teruhiko Tamaya, Tamaya T
International journal of oncology · 2003 · vol. 23(2) , pp. 445–52 · doi:10.3892/ijo.23.2.445 · PMID:12851694 · W2026765827
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This review examines GnRH analogues in gynecological oncology, highlighting their role in treating endometriosis and advanced reproductive tract carcinomas through antiproliferative effects, gonadal protection, and prevention of postoperative adhesions.

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This review examines the multifaceted applications of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues in gynecological oncology, highlighting their ability to suppress ovarian steroidogenesis and inhibit tumor growth in reproductive tract carcinomas. The authors note that over 80% of ovarian and endometrial cancers express GnRH receptors, allowing for potential targeted chemotherapy approaches that may reduce systemic side effects while protecting gonadal function during standard cancer treatments. Additionally, the paper discusses the utility of these analogues in preventing postoperative adhesion formation to preserve fertility in women undergoing surgery. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for GnRH antagonists, though the paper's main focus is uterine fibroids.

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Abstract

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue has beneficial effects on the size and symptoms of endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas as a result of suppressing ovarian steroidogenesis. GnRH analogues are also the preferred treatment for advanced and even metastatic or recurred carcinomas originated from the reproductive tract. The original rationale for a GnRH analogue in the treatment was to block the endogenous gonadotropin and thereby steroid hormone secretion which was thought to stimulate tumor growth. However, more than 80% of ovarian and endometrial cancers express receptors for GnRH, and the analogues inhibit proliferation of the GnRH receptor-bearing tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro, supporting evidence for a direct antiproliferative effect. These receptors could be used for targeted chemotherapy (by tumoricidal agents linked to GnRH analogues) to improve antitumor effects and reduce side effects compared with conventional systemic chemotherapy. In addition to the anticancer action, GnRH analogues act to protect the gonads during radiation and/or chemotherapy by preferentially steering cells into cell cycle arrest with a decline in responsibility to the chemotherapy and radiation. In women who wish to maintain potential fertility, GnRH analogue therapy is successful in preventing the most critical postoperative complication, adhesion formation. The additional unrecognized benefits may add to the advantage of GnRH analogues in cancer management in gynecology.
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Print ISSN: 1019-6439 Online ISSN: 1791-2423 International Journal of Molecular Medicine is an international journal devoted to molecular mechanisms of human disease. International Journal of Oncology is an international journal devoted to oncology research and cancer treatment. Covers molecular medicine topics such as pharmacology, pathology, genetics, neuroscience, infectious diseases, molecular cardiology, and molecular surgery. Oncology Reports is an international journal devoted to fundamental and applied research in Oncology. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine is an international journal devoted to laboratory and clinical medicine. Oncology Letters is an international journal devoted to Experimental and Clinical Oncology. Explores a wide range of biological and medical fields, including pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and molecular cardiology. International journal addressing all aspects of oncology research, from tumorigenesis and oncogenes to chemotherapy and metastasis. Multidisciplinary open-access journal spanning biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, environmental health, and synthetic biology. Open-access journal combining biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and genetics to advance health through functional nutrition. Publishes open-access research on using epigenetics to advance understanding and treatment of human disease. An International Open Access Journal Devoted to General Medicine. Review - Authors: - Pages: 445-452|Published online on: August 1, 2003https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.23.2.445 - Expand metrics + Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue has beneficial effects on the size and symptoms of endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas as a result of suppressing ovarian steroidogenesis. GnRH analogues are also the preferred treatment for advanced and even metastatic or recurred carcinomas originated from the reproductive tract. The original rationale for a GnRH analogue in the treatment was to block the endogenous gonadotropin and thereby steroid hormone secretion which was thought to stimulate tumor growth. However, more than 80% of ovarian and endometrial cancers express receptors for GnRH, and the analogues inhibit proliferation of the GnRH receptor-bearing tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro, supporting evidence for a direct antiproliferative effect. These receptors could be used for targeted chemotherapy (by tumoricidal agents linked to GnRH analogues) to improve antitumor effects and reduce side effects compared with conventional systemic chemotherapy. In addition to the anticancer action, GnRH analogues act to protect the gonads during radiation and/or chemotherapy by preferentially steering cells into cell cycle arrest with a decline in responsibility to the chemotherapy and radiation. In women who wish to maintain potential fertility, GnRH analogue therapy is successful in preventing the most critical postoperative complication, adhesion formation. The additional unrecognized benefits may add to the advantage of GnRH analogues in cancer management in gynecology. Copy and paste a formatted citation Spandidos Publications style Sugiyama M, Imai A, Takahashi S, Hirano S, Furui T and Tamaya T: Advanced indications for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in gynecological oncology (Review). Int J Oncol 23: 445-452, 2003. APA Sugiyama, M., Imai, A., Takahashi, S., Hirano, S., Furui, T., & Tamaya, T. (2003). Advanced indications for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in gynecological oncology (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 23, 445-452. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.23.2.445 MLA Sugiyama, M., Imai, A., Takahashi, S., Hirano, S., Furui, T., Tamaya, T."Advanced indications for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in gynecological oncology (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 23.2 (2003): 445-452. Chicago Sugiyama, M., Imai, A., Takahashi, S., Hirano, S., Furui, T., Tamaya, T."Advanced indications for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in gynecological oncology (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 23, no. 2 (2003): 445-452. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.23.2.445

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometrial Neoplasms Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Ovarian Neoplasms Endometrial Neoplasms Endometrial Neoplasms Female Female Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Humans Humans Ovarian Neoplasms Ovarian Neoplasms

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