Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/1942/4083
Title: | Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and prevention of breast cancer | Authors: | JANSSENS, Jaak Russo, Jose Russo, Irma MICHIELS, Luc Donders, Gilbert Verjans, Marcel Riphagen, Ine Van den Bossche, Thierry Deleu, Marijke Sieprath, Peter |
Issue Date: | 2007 | Publisher: | ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD | Source: | MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY, 269(1-2). p. 93-98 | Abstract: | Animal and 'in vitro' experiences learned that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is capable to protect from breast cancer. Receptors for hCG/luteinizing hormone (LH) are present on human female and male breast cancer cells. hCG decreases proliferation and invasion of breast cancer MCF-7 cells by inhibiting NF-kappa B, AP-1 activation and other genes. Doxorubicin toxicity is enhanced by conjugation with beta-hCG in MCF-7 cells. All these pieces of evidence suggest that hCG is active in human breast cancer. Direct proof however is missing. We performed a pilot study phase I trial for testing the inhibitory effects or recombinant hCG (rhCG) on primary breast cancer. Twenty-five postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed breast cancers of more than 1.5 cm were biopsied before randomization to receive either 500 mu g rhCG (n=20) or placebo. After 2 weeks, surgery was done and tissues were analysed with regard to morphological, immunohistochemical and biochemical changes in tissues and plasma. rhCG reduces significantly the proliferative index and the expression of both the oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. rhCG does not modify the hormonal level of estradiol, progesterone, inhibin and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) but increases significantly the level of LH. In a second pilot study, we tested the clinical efficacy through an open-label single centre study in 13 postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer. A 500 mu g rhCG once every 2 days shows activity in postmenopausal metastatic breast cancer. The time to progression is relatively short. Response to previous hormonal treatment is indicative for rhCG activity. Given the data in primary and metastatic breast cancer rhCG further large scale investigation is highly warranted. rhCG can be an realistic option in (chemo-) prevention trials. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Notes: | Univ Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium. H Hart Hosp, Tienen, Belgium. Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium. Fox Chase Canc Ctr, Philadelphia, PA 19111 USA.JANSSENS, JP, Univ Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium.janssens.ecp@skynet.be | Keywords: | human chorionic gonadotropin; breast cancer; recombinant hCG | Document URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1942/4083 | ISSN: | 0303-7207 | e-ISSN: | 1872-8057 | DOI: | 10.1016/j.mce.2006.06.015 | ISI #: | 000246001200014 | Category: | A1 | Type: | Journal Contribution | Validations: | ecoom 2008 |
Appears in Collections: | Research publications |
Show full item record
SCOPUSTM
Citations
42
checked on Sep 3, 2020
WEB OF SCIENCETM
Citations
33
checked on Sep 13, 2024
Page view(s)
74
checked on Sep 7, 2022
Google ScholarTM
Check
Altmetric
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.