Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) is considered an androgen-dependent tumor, and as in prostatic cancer, responses have been reported with use of antiandrogens or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Thus, it is reasonable to postulate that better results could be achieved by combining these two agents.
Methods: Eleven men with recurrent or progressive carcinoma of the breast have been treated with buserelin 1500 micrograms subcutaneously daily in the first week and 600 micrograms daily subsequently and cyproterone acetate (CPA) 100 mg twice a day orally starting 24 hours before the first dose of buserelin.
Results: Objective responses have been observed in seven patients with a median duration of 11.5 months (range, 9-24+ months). Responses were not correlated to the dominant site of disease. Three patients had stable disease lasting 5 months. Median survival was 18.5 months. Side effects primarily were decrease or loss of libido, impotence, and hot flushes.
Conclusions: Total androgen blockade with buserelin and CPA seems effective in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer of the male breast, but its superiority over standard androgen suppression remains to be demonstrated.