Which progesterone derivative is used for the treatment of endometrial cancer?

Which progesterone derivative is used for the treatment of endometrial cancer?

• A. Tamoxifen
• B. Depo-provera
• C. Flutamide
• D. Goserelin

Answer: (B)

Progestin therapy can slow or reverse endometrial cancer growth by opposing estrogen-driven stimulation of the endometrium. Depo-Provera is a depot form of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progesterone derivative, so it directly provides progestin action to counteract estrogen effects on the lining. This approach is used in selected cases—often when surgery isn’t feasible or as palliation—because progestins can induce regression in hormone-responsive tumors. The other drugs work through different hormonal pathways and aren’t used in the same way for treating endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen acts mainly as a breast cancer drug but can stimulate the endometrium; flutamide is an antiandrogen; goserelin suppresses gonadotropins via a GnRH agonist.

Progestin therapy can slow or reverse endometrial cancer growth by opposing estrogen-driven stimulation of the endometrium. Depo-Provera is a depot form of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progesterone derivative, so it directly provides progestin action to counteract estrogen effects on the lining. This approach is used in selected cases—often when surgery isn’t feasible or as palliation—because progestins can induce regression in hormone-responsive tumors.

The other drugs work through different hormonal pathways and aren’t used in the same way for treating endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen acts mainly as a breast cancer drug but can stimulate the endometrium; flutamide is an antiandrogen; goserelin suppresses gonadotropins via a GnRH agonist.