Goserelin Does Not Preserve Ovarian Function During Chemotherapy

Premature loss of ovarian function can occur as a result of chemotherapy, particularly in young women receiving adjuvant systemic therapy for early-stage breast cancer. Consequences include infertility, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, decreased libido, genital atrophy, and accelerated loss of bone density. Some studies have suggested that luteinizing-hormone–releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, such as goserelin, might help preserve ovarian function in women undergoing chemotherapy, but most of these studies have been small and difficult to interpret.

Now, German investigators report the results of the phase II ZORO study, in which 60 premenopausal women (age range, 26–47; median, 37) with hormone receptor–negative breast tumors were randomiz…