Hypophysectomy in Advanced Breast Cancer

THERE is undisputed evidence that the administration of steroid hormones or deprivation of hormone-producing tissues favorably modifies the anticipated behavior of advanced breast cancer. Extensive reviews have demonstrated the improvement that may be attained in selected patients after castration or adrenalectomy and the administration of estrogenic hormones, androgenic hormones or cortisone.1 , 2 These methods of therapy have significantly altered the course of breast cancer to the extent that the lives of some patients have definitely been prolonged. It is postulated that the favorable responses occurring during hormonal therapy are mediated in part by suppression of the pituitary gland.3 Recently, total surgical . . .