Leupron for Ovarian Cancer – pro
There are several small studies in the peer-reviewed published literature assessing the role of leuprolide acetate as a treatment for ovarian cancer. Fishman (1996) evaluated 6 women with recurrent or persistent ovarian granulosa cell tumor who were treated with monthly leuprolide acetate injections. Cessation of disease progression was noted in 5 subjects. The 6th subject remained disease free since her primary cytoreductive surgery while on adjuvant therapy with leuprolide acetate for 24 months. There were no major side effects noted and the treatment was well tolerated. The authors concluded that a reasonable disease progression-free interval occurred and leuprolide treatment should be considered for further trials of therapy. Balbi (2004) reported on a study in which 12 women with advanced ovarian cancer previously treated with paclitaxel were administered leuprolide on days 1, 8, and 28. Progression free survival was 6 months and the treatment was well tolerated. The authors noted: “the high tolerability and the results obtained with leuprolide versus platinum in second-line therapy might permit a better use of the analogs for advanced ovarian cancer.” NCCN lists it as anaceeptable therpay in secion OV-D, 1.
Fishman A, Kudelka AP, Tresukosol D, et al. Leuprolide acetate for treating refractory or persistent ovarian granulosa cell tumor. J Reprod Med. 1996; 41(6):393-396.
albi G, Piano LD, Cardone A, Cirelli G. Second-line therapy of advanced ovarian cancer with GnRH analogs. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2004; 14(5):799-803.
NCCN, OVARIAN OV-D,1 2015