Estrone and progesterone inhibit the growth of murine MC38 colon cancer line

The unsatisfactory effectiveness of reference chemotherapy in colon cancer (fluorouracil – FU) results in continuous search for agents, which could enhance the action of FU. Some epidemiological data such as a decreased risk of colorectal cancer among menopausal women receiving hormonal replacement therapy indicate the role of female sex hormones in the pathogenesis of this disease.The aim of this study was to examine the direct effects of various concentrations of estrone and progesterone (10−4 to 10−12 M) applied alone or together with FU on the growth of murine MC38 colon cancer in vitro.Estrone inhibited MC38 cancer growth in a wide range of concentrations (10−12 to 10−4 M) with similar potency and at some concentrations (10−6 and 10−4 M) augmented also the cytotoxic action of FU. Progesterone induced MC38 cancer growth inhibition at high concentrations (10−5 to 10−4 M) in dose- and time-dependent manner but it did not intensify antineoplastic effect of FU. A weak inhibitory effect of progesterone was also observed for lower concentrations (10−5 to 10−10 M) in long lasting cultures (72 h).The results indicate that estrone and progesterone inhibit the MC38 cancer growth and that estrone increases also the cytotoxic effect of FU, what confirms the role of female sex steroids in modulation of colon cancer growth.