According to Van Le, LY353381 does not have these side effects. However, there may be hot flashes and an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis, formation of blood clots in veins. The UNC-CH gynecologic oncologist explained that in endometrial and ovarian cancers, the drug targets estrogen cell receptor sites in uterine and ovarian tissue. At the same time, the drug may offer additional benefits. Anti-estrogenic effects in the uterus and ovaries have been shown experimentally, and LY353381 also acts like estrogen to help protect against bone loss and to lower cholesterol, which is of particular value to older women.
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer.
It accounts for 40 percent of all cancers among women and ranks second among gynecological cancers. As to endometrial cancer, about 37,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year, with an expected 6,400 deaths. The ongoing LY353381 clinical trial at UNC-CH continues to enroll new patients.