Studies on Endocrine Therapy for Endometriosis

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GnRH agonist and danazol are useful for treatment of patients with endometriosis. These compounds induce atrophy and regression of endometriosis, but the action mechanisms are still unclear. The present study, therefore, was undertaken to elucidate the mechanisms of these compounds in the treatment of endometriosis. In addition, a combination therapy with these compounds for endometriosis was also evaluated. With use of experimental endometriosis of female rats, the effects of these compounds were examined. The combination therapy (16/17) was shown to be superior to danazol (9/20) or GnRH agonistalone (14/24) to induce atrophy and regression of fluid in experimental endometriosis. Administration of GnRH agonist decreased serum estradiol level, but use of danazol did not. The findings suggest that a combination therapy of GnRH agonist and danazol, which show different mode of action, may be a potential modelity in treatment of patients with endometriosis.A clinical trial was initiated to examine whether the combination therapy of GnRH agonist and danazol is useful for endometriosis. The combination therapy was more effective to induce atrophy of endometriosis than GnRH agonist or danazol alone. The potential application of combination therapy in the treatment of patients with endometriosis should be evaluated with large scale clinical trials.