Abstract
The present studies were undertaken to ascertain a rational program of hormone administration for patients with mastopathy, in view of the fact that the dosage, mode, and duration of administration have varied widely in practice. The drug employed n the present studies was 2-alpha-methyl-dihydrotestosterone propionate (dromostanolone propionate). The drug recipients were divided into four groups according to dosage level: Group M-1 received 12.5 mg, group M-2, 25mg; group M-3, 50mg; and group M-4, 100mg; once per week. A control group (M-5) received 45mg of a depot-type testosterone once per week. The patients were assigned randomly to the groups by use of a table of random numbers. The drug was administered in double-blind fashion. The treatment produced no significantly different results with regard to spontaneous pain, tenderness, and softening of the tumor. However, regarding size the tumor diminution was proportionate to the level of dose. A similar tendency was observed in weight gain. Stratified analysis showed the tumor diminishing effect higher in the younger age group, in tumors larger in size, and in tumors poorly delineated. No age difference in the drug effect was observed in regard to weight gain. A rational administration of the present drug in patients with mastopathy seems to consist of the following: administration of 100mg once a week for 4 weeks; if the subsequent response is sufficient, treatment is halted, if the response is insufficient, the drug is continued for several weeks more in a reduced dose. If no response is elicited surgical managements are suggested.
