CONVERSION OF ANDROSTENEDIONE TO ESTRONE AND PRODUCTION OF ESTRONE IN WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

The conversion of androstenedione to oestrone and the production rate of oestrone has been measured in a group of women with endometrial cancer. In four postmenopausal subjects, conversion of androstenedione to oestrone ([ρ]BU AE = 2.1 ± 0.7%, mean ± S.D.) and the production rate of oestrone (26.8 ± 5.7 μg/24 h) were not excessive and similar to that reported for normal postmenopausal women. No significant change in either the extent of the conversion of androstenedione to oestrone or the production rate of oestrone was found when the postmenopausal women were re-investigated 2-3 months after ovariectomy and hysterectomy. For one premenopausal woman with endometrial cancer, conversion of androstenedione to oestrone ([ρ]BU AE = 1.5%) and production of oestrone (63.4 μg/24h) were within the ranges reported for normal premenopausal women. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.76, P < 0.02) was found between the plasma production rate of androstenedione and the conversion of androstenedione to oestrone. From this study it was concluded that the presence of endometrial cancer in these subjects was not associated with increased production of oestrone or conversion of androstenedione to oestrone and that the conversion of androstenedione to oestrone depends in part on the plasma production rate of androstenedione. © 1979.