Leuprorelin acetate for advanced breast cancer in pre or perimenopausal women – adjuvant

Leuprorelin acetate is being developed as an adjuvant treatment given by subcutaneous injection for pre and perimenopausal women with advanced breast cancer suitable for hormonal manipulation. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the UK. Breast cancers that are stimulated to grow by the hormones oestrogen or progesterone are known as hormone receptor-positive cancers. Advanced breast cancer is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatments at this stage are not curative and will aim to reduce the progression of the cancer and metastases. Eligible patients may have surgery which is usually followed by adjuvant therapy (hormone or chemotherapy) to improve the success of the treatment.
Leuprorelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue, when given chronically will block the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones from the ovaries. A similar drug currently commonly used is goserelin, which is given as an injection every 4 weeks. If licensed, leuprorelin acetate will offer an additional adjuvant treatment option for pre and perimenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that is suitable for hormonal manipulation.