Dr. Ruddy on the Use of GnRH Agonists in Breast Cancer

Kathryn Ruddy, MD, consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, the Mayo Clinic, discusses the use of GnRH agonists in breast cancer.

Along with their use to protect ovarian function in premenopausal patients with breast cancer, GnRH agonists have also been utilized for the treatment of breast cancer, Ruddy explains. GnRH agonists have demonstrated the ability to reduce the amount of circulating estrogen in the body, Ruddy adds.

Data from the phase 3 SOFT trial (NCT00066690) and other studies have shown that premenopausal patients with hormone-responsive breast cancer who received a GnRH agonist after surgery for breast cancer were less likely to experience a recurrence than those who did not receive a GnRH agonist, Ruddy continues. Based on these data, GnRH agonists are considered for use in patients with higher-risk breast cancer that is hormonally sensitive, Ruddy says.

Adverse effects associated with the use of GnRH agonists include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone thinning, Ruddy concludes.