Comparative studies of the effect on the in vitro growth of endometrial cancers of hydroxyprogesterone caproate, norethisterone acetate and D-norgestrel

The influence of the progestogens hydroxyprogesteroncaproate , norethisteronacetate and d-norgestrel on the growth of endometrial cancer was observed on 78 cell cultures. 40 cases revealed an influence on in vitro growth by at least one progestogen, 26 times by progesterone, 21 times by norethisterone and 20 times by norgestrel. In 17 cases two or more progestogens had an effect on in vitro growth, however, in 23 cases only one progestogen revealed an effect. The possible consequences of these results for the planning of therapy are discussed.