Does Estrogen-Only Hormone Therapy Affect Risk for Lung Cancer?

WHI data indicate that use of estrogen-only HT was not associated with lung cancer incidence or mortality.

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized controlled trial of conjugated equine estrogen versus placebo was stopped after a mean of 7 years because of excess stroke risk in the estrogen group. At that time, total incidence of malignancy was similar in both groups; however, many lines of evidence suggest that hormones can influence lung cancers, many of which express receptors for estrogen and progesterone. To clarify the effect of estrogen on lung cancer incidence and mortality, investigators conducted a post hoc analysis of WHI data.

At a mean follow-up of 7.9 years, 61 (0.15%) and 54 (0.13%) women in the estrogen and placebo groups, respectively, had diagnoses of lung cancer (hazard ratio, 1.17, 95% confidence interval, 0.81–1.69; P=0…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Does Estrogen-Only Hormone Therapy Affect Risk for Lung Cancer?

Topics

Reviewing Author