Hormones have been shown to influence the growth characteristics of epithelial ovarian carcinoma, but their mechanism of action is still unclear. In particular, low and high affinity LHRH receptors have been demonstrated on ovarian tumor cells. Also, LHRH agonists have been used successfully in phase II clinical studies of ovarian carcinoma. This project will investigate the antitumor activity of Cetrorelix, the first LHRH antagonist suitable for clinical use. A phase II study of Cetrorelix will be performed on patients with advanced recurrent ovarian cancer. Included in this study is a pharmacological investigation of different dose levels of Cetrorelix to determine the endocrine inhibitory effect of this drug in these ovariectomized patients. In order to understand the hormonal dependency of some ovarian carcinomas, we will evaluate the modulation of hormone and growth factor receptors on the membrane of ovarian tumor cells treated with Cetrorelix. Laboratory results obtained will be compared to clinical responses. The ultimate goal is to predict which tumor is sensitive to this LHRH antagonist by identifying relevant prognostic factors applicable to clinical use.
| Verschraegen, Claire F; Hu, Wei; Du, Yu et al. (2003) Establishment and characterization of cancer cell cultures and xenografts derived from primary or metastatic Mullerian cancers. Clin Cancer Res 9:845-52 |
| Verschraegen, Claire F; Westphalen, Silke; Hu, Wei et al. (2003) Phase II study of cetrorelix, a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 90:552-9 |
