Future possibilities in the prevention of breast cancer - Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists

The cyclic production of estrogen and progesterone by the premenopausal ova ry accounts for the steep rise in breast cancer risk in premenopausal women . These hormones are breast cell mitogens. By reducing exposure to these ov arian hormones, agonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) gi ven to suppress ovarian function may prove useful in cancer prevention. To prevent deleterious effects of hypoestrogenemia, the addition of low-dose h ormone replacement to the LHRH agonist appears necessary. Pilot data with s uch an approach indicates it is feasible and reduces mammographic densities .