Cancer and antiangiogenesis via progesterone:?

Question

It is known that both estrogen and testosterone induce formation of new arteries into cancers, just as estrogen induces formation of arteries into the epithelial tissues of the uterus. 
We also know that progesterone causes the closing off of those arteries in epithelial tissue at the time of menstruation, causing the epithelial tissue to die and slough off.

When men with prostate cancer have used progesterone cream, they have reported sharp reduction or even cessation of bone pain from metastatic prostate cancer. 
Would this suggest that progesterone may, at least in these cases, be acting as an antiangiogenesis agent, causing the cancer to be starved of blood, so starved of food and oxygen?

If so, would it be at all safe to use this while waiting for treatment? How would one know what would be safe or effective dosage?

zrepmd · Accepted Answer

There are clinical trials showing benefit of progesterone analogs (medroxyprogesterone acetate) in metastatic prostate cancer. I don't know your stage, so not sure what "waiting for treatment" means, but may be reasonable to use these drugs in your case.  Don;t be too distrustful of your doc depending on your specific situation, there may be no data showing benefit, in which case most patients do not want to be a "guinea pig." Talk with your doc and discuss why he does not want to use those drugs- there may be a very good reason.

Anonymous · Answer

Hello

PLEASE CONSULT DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Cancer and antiangiogenesis via progesterone:?

2 Answers