Antitumor progestins activity: Cytostatic effect and immune response

• Published in: Steroids Vol. 210; p. 109474
• Main Authors: Pavlik, T., Konchekov, E., Shimanovskii, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Antitumor activity; Immune responce; Neoplasms; Progestin receptor; Progestins; Antitumor activity; Immune responce; Progestin receptor; Neoplasms; Progestins
• ISSN: 0039-128X; 1878-5867; 1878-5867
• DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109474

•Some progestins have a significant cytostatic action for various hormone-sensitive tumors.•The proliferative effects are highly dependent on the tumor microenvironment.•Dienogest, megestrol acetate and levonorgestrel increase the activity of NK-cells.•The immunosuppressive effects of hormonal drugs can complicate tumor treatment. Progestins are used to treat some hormone-sensitive tumors. This review discusses the mechanisms of progestins’ effects on tumor cells, the differences in the effects of progesterone and its analogs on different tumor types, and the influence of progestins on the antitumor immune response. Progestins cause a cytostatic effect, but at the same time they can suppress the antitumor immune response, and this can promote the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Such progestins as dienogest, megestrol acetate and levonorgestrel increase the activity of NK-cells, which play a major role in the body’s fight against tumor cells. The use of existing progestins and the development of new drugs with gestagenic activity may hold promise in oncotherapy.