Adrenal Steroids and the Pattern of Metastases of Breast Cancer

The patterns of metastases in breast carcinoma in 204 patients are analyzed retrospectively. Patients receiving additive steroids for disseminated breast carcinoma had a significant increase in metastases to the lungs, liver, heart, opposite breast, brain, and spleen and to the mucosa and submucosa of the gastroduodenum when compared to control patients with disseminated breast carcinoma not receiving adrenal steroids. Patients who had undergone hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy, or both, for breast carcinoma and who were receiving replacement adrenal steroids had a significant increase only in splenic metastases when compared to controls. The possible mechanisms for the increase in metastases in patients receiving adrenal steroids are discussed.