Evaluation of Feasibility for a Case-Control Study of Adrenal Androgen Production in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer
Abstract
Postmenopausal women with elevated serum estrogens and androgens are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Dehydroepiandosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is secreted only by the adrenals, and elevated serum DHEAS levels in postmenopausal women who develop breast cancer suggest increased adrenal androgen production. We will evaluate the feasibility of conducting a case-control study that uses adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests to determine if postmenopausal women who develop breast cancer secrete more adrenal androgens, which are converted to estrogens in peripheral tissues, in response to ACTH stimulation compared to unaffected women. Hypotheses to be tested in the full-scale study are: 1) greater adrenal responsiveness to ACTH contributes to elevated serum concentrations of androgens and estrogens in postmenopausal women who develop breast cancer; and 2) increased adrenal androgen production in postmenopausal women with breast cancer is related to increased enzyme activity at a specific step in steroidogenesis. Specific aims of the feasibility study are: 1) determine the feasibility of a full-scale study; 2) gather preliminary data on basal and ACTH stimulated serum concentrations of dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, and estrone in women with breast cancer compared to controls. A case-control study will be conducted at FCCC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426360
Entities
People
- Joanne F. Dorgan
Organizations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center