HYPOPHYSECTOMY OR ADRENALECTOMY?—Their Use in Management of Advanced Malignant Disease as Observed in Clinics in Europe

摘要

The dependence of cancer of the breast and prostate gland upon sex hormones has led to an attack on this problem by way of adrenalectomy with castration or by hypophysectomy when hormone treatment has failed. The survival period of patients who have had adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy has been prolonged by use of cortisone. The risk of either operation is reasonable and maintenance of life on cortisone is simple. The results are encouraging, with a tendency in favor of hypophysectomy. It seems justifiable to advise operation at an early stage of the disease.