Oral contraceptives and polyp regression in familial adenomatous polyposis

Gastroenterology. 2005 Apr;128(4):1077-80. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.10.010.

Abstract

Epidemiologic and experimental reports suggest that female hormones protect against the development of colorectal cancer, but studies are limited. We describe a patient in the placebo arm of a 4-year primary chemoprevention trial who developed adenomatous polyps and then had eradication of polyps after the administration of oral contraceptives. No change in the prostaglandin levels in the colonic mucosa was noted after polyp elimination, making nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ingestion unlikely as a cause. This report represents the regression of colorectal adenomas with the use of estrogen/progesterone compounds.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Colon / metabolism
  • Contraceptives, Oral / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Menstruation Disturbances / drug therapy
  • Prostaglandins / metabolism
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Prostaglandins