17β-estradiol-mediated elevation of peripheral white blood cell count observed during estramustine phosphate therapy for prostate cancer

Abstract

: Background: In 1983, Daponte et al. first reported an increase in the peripheral white blood cell (WBCs) counts of prostate cancer patients treated with estramustine phosphate (EMP) therapy.Objectives: In order to confirm Daponte’s observation, we reviewed the clinical data of prostate cancer patients treated with EMP. We also examined the association between WBC counts and 17β-estradiol levels throughout the duration of the EMP therapy.Patients and Methods: The study population comprised of 66 prostate cancer patients who were being treated with EMP. The complete blood count with a differential WBC count and the levels of serum 17β-estradiol and C-reactive protein measured during the therapy were compared with the baseline levels. The correlation between serum 17β-estradiol level and WBC count was calculated using the Pearson correlation test.Results: We observed that the total WBC and the neutrophil counts were significantly elevated during the therapy. The serum 17β-estradiol level significantly correlated with the WBC count (r2 = 0.031, P = 0.002). The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels measured during therapy were approximately 2-fold higher than the upper limit and decreased after cessation of the treatment (P = 0.037).Conclusions: We successfully confirmed Daponte’s observation. The increase in WBC counts was possibly attributable to elevated serum 17β-estradiol levels. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:Nonphysiological high-dose exposure of 17β-estradiol for prostate cancer patients resulted in significant elevation of neutrophil counts. Please cite this paper as:Suzuki M, Fujimura T, Fukuhara H, Enomoto Y, Nishimatsu H, Ishikawa A, et al. 17β-Estradiol-Mediated Elevation of Peripheral White Blood Cell Count During Estramustine Phosphate Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2011; 9(4):347-51. DOI: 10.5812/Kowsar.1726913X.2246 Copyright © 2012 Kowsar M. P. Co. All rights reserved.