goserelin and Acne-Vulgaris

A multicenter randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy of combined therapy with a GnRH analog (goserelin) + an oral contraceptive (OC) containing ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate and same OC alone in the treatment of severe hirsutism. The effect of these two therapies was assessed in a subjective and an objective evaluation of hair growth. According to the subjective evaluation, judged by physician and patient. 95% of patients obtained a partial response. The objective response was assessed by measuring the mean diameter of hair from 3 different areas and 1 control area. The decrease in hair diameter compared to pretreatment was statistically significant for both treatments, mainly for the abdomen and face. The difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. Therefore, we assume that OC alone remains the treatment of choice for hirsutism. However, the addition of the GnRH analog to OC needs further investigation and could be justified for patients with no response to standard monotherapy.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adult; Contraceptives, Oral; Cyproterone Acetate; Estradiol; Ethinyl Estradiol; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Goserelin; Hirsutism; Humans; Luteinizing Hormone; Testosterone

A 50-year-old female patient underwent extirpation of a moderately differentiated, partially tubular ductal carcinoma of the left mamma and dissection of the left axilla followed by postoperative radiation therapy (total dose 58/48 gy). 2 weeks after the radiation therapy was stopped, treatment with goserelin subcutaneously was started. 6 weeks later numerous open and closed comedons appeared which were sharply confined to the radiation areas of left mamma and sternum.. Because of the clinical diagnosis of acne comedonica following radiation therapy a local treatment with benzoyl-peroxide gel 5% and erythromycin cream 2% was performed, which led to improvement of the skin lesions within a few weeks and total restitution within 3 months. During one year no comedons have occurred although the local therapeutics are not applied constantly anymore.. Acne comedonica in the radiation area is a rarely known side effect of radiation therapy. Although the skin lesions cause no pain or itching they can affect the patient due to cosmetic changes. Local treatment with comedolytic acne therapeutics is effective.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Benzoyl Peroxide; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Erythromycin; Female; Gels; Goserelin; Humans; Keratolytic Agents; Middle Aged; Radiodermatitis; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Thorax