Goserelin
Goserelin (GnRH agonist)
Also known as: Zoladex
An FDA-approved GnRH agonist implant that suppresses sex hormones for prostate and breast cancer and endometriosis.
Overview
Goserelin is a GnRH agonist delivered as a slow-release implant, approved as Zoladex. Like leuprolide it suppresses sex hormone production after an initial flare and is used for prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive breast cancer, and endometriosis. It is a well-established, approved peptide drug.
Mechanism of action
Continuous GnRH receptor activation desensitizes the pituitary, reducing LH, FSH, testosterone, and estrogen.
Key studies & citations
- Human2002
Goserelin versus cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy in premenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer: the ZEBRA study
In ER-positive patients goserelin was equivalent to CMF chemotherapy for disease-free survival (HR 1.01) and better tolerated.
Journal of Clinical Oncology - Human2010
External irradiation with or without long-term androgen suppression for prostate cancer with high metastatic risk: 10-year results of an EORTC randomised study
Adding 3 years of goserelin to radiotherapy raised 10-year disease-free survival from 22.7% to 47.7% and improved overall survival.
The Lancet Oncology
Frequently asked questions
How is goserelin given?
As a small implant placed under the skin that slowly releases the drug over one to three months.