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. Dehydroepiandrosterone 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. The objective of the pilot study is to 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 rather than to generalized enhancement of adrenal androgen production. Cellular immune function also has been hypothesized to play a role in breast cancer etiology, and cortisol, which is another hormone that is secreted by the adrenals, is immunosuppressive (i.e., causes significant decreases in numbers and percentages of lymphocytes in the blood). At no additional cost to DOD we are also collecting preliminary data to begin to address the hypothesis that greater adrenal responsiveness to ACTH contributes to greater immunosuppression in postmenopausal women who develop breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA437956
Entities
People
- Joanne F. Dorgan
Organizations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center