Increased erythropoiesis induced by androgenic-hormone therapy.

Abstract

THE administration of androgenic hormones to women with advanced breast cancer has been associated with an unusual alteration in erythropoietic activity.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 This has consisted of increases in hemoglobin, red-cell count and hematocrit, and hyperplasia of the erythroid elements of the bone marrow. The increase in erythroid activity is accompanied by clinical symptoms and signs characteristic of polycythemia. The observations suggest that androgenic hormones are a specific stimulating factor of erythropoiesis and, when administered in massive doses over a prolonged period, will increase erythroid activity to a polycythemic level.10 Investigators of hormone therapy in advanced breast cancer have been aware of . . .