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Monthly or 3-monthly injections that switch off the ovaries, letting premenopausal women use aromatase inhibitors and lowering recurrence in higher-risk cases.
Goserelin and leuprolide are GnRH agonists: continuous stimulation of the GnRH receptor desensitises the pituitary, suppressing LH and FSH and therefore ovarian oestradiol, producing a reversible medical menopause. In premenopausal women with HR-positive breast cancer this ovarian function suppression (OFS) lets an aromatase inhibitor be used and lowers recurrence in higher-risk cases. SOFT and TEXT showed OFS plus exemestane or tamoxifen reduces recurrence versus tamoxifen alone, with absolute gains largest in women who needed chemotherapy (12-year DFS 80.5% versus 75.9% for exemestane plus OFS versus tamoxifen plus OFS). They are also used for fertility preservation during chemotherapy (POEMS). Hot flushes, vaginal dryness and bone loss are common, so who gains enough to justify five years of induced menopause is a judgement call. In short, these injections switch the ovaries off.
Ball-and-stick model from PubChem 2D record (no 3D conformer available). PubChem record
Continuous GnRH receptor stimulation desensitises the pituitary, suppressing LH/FSH and ovarian oestradiol. Connects to Estrogen receptor (ERα).
1.Goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression) binds Estrogen receptor (ERα).
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. Zoladex implant placed by the clinician; Part B.
Covered under the medical benefit as a GnRH agonist; brand preference varies by plan.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
Sources: NICE search: goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression). Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 1989 | Advanced breast cancer (goserelin); prostate cancer |
| Adverse event | Any grade | Grade 3+ |
|---|---|---|
| Hot flushes | 93% | - |
| Vaginal dryness / sexual dysfunction | 50% | - |
| Bone loss | 30% | - |
Events listed without rates were not read from a primary source; see the label. Blank cells mean the figure was not sourced, not that it is zero.
Read for the class this product belongs to (androgen deprivation) unless the answer names the product. Population figures from the cohorts named, not a prediction for one person. Blank where no source gives a recovery figure.
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Query for this drug: (TITLE:"Goserelin / leuprolide" OR ABSTRACT:"Goserelin / leuprolide" OR TITLE:"ovarian function suppression" OR ABSTRACT:"ovarian function suppression" OR TITLE:"Zoladex; Lupron" OR ABSTRACT:"Zoladex; Lupron") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression), not a curated reading list.
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