Abstract
Background: Mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist has been found to improve the length and quality of life in various spontaneous murine cancer models including tumors without progesterone receptors theoretically by inhibiting an immunomodulatory protein that suppresses natural killer cell function in the tumor microenvironment. Materials and Methods: Mifepristone 200 mg per day by mouth was given to two patients with stage 4 colon cancer with extensive metastases. Results: Both patients not only survived far longer than expected but had marked improvement in their quality of life similar to mice. Though the metastatic lesions did not disappear, no new ones appeared for a long time and the ones present did not grow. The drug was extremely well tolerated. Conclusion: The use of progesterone receptor antagonists may present a novel immunotherapy to help fight cancer. A larger controlled study is needed.
Footnotes
- Received December 15, 2008.
- Accepted February 2, 2009.
- Copyright© 2009 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved
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