Antiprogestin
Encyclopedia
An antiprogestin is a substance that prevents cells from making or using progesterone
(a hormone
that plays a role
in the menstrual cycle
and pregnancy
). Antiprogestins may stop some cancer cells from growing
and they are being studied in the treatment of breast cancer
. An antiprogestin is a type of hormone antagonist
.
Progesterone
Progesterone also known as P4 is a C-21 steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis of humans and other species...
(a hormone
Hormone
A hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism. Only a small amount of hormone is required to alter cell metabolism. In essence, it is a chemical messenger that transports a signal from one...
that plays a role
Role
A role or a social role is a set of connected behaviours, rights and obligations as conceptualised by actors in a social situation. It is an expected or free or continuously changing behaviour and may have a given individual social status or social position...
in the menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the physiological changes that can occur in fertile women for the purpose of sexual reproduction. This article focuses on the human menstrual cycle....
and pregnancy
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
). Antiprogestins may stop some cancer cells from growing
Growing
Growing may refer to:* Growth* Growing , a noise band currently based in Brooklyn, New York* Growing , a 2007 album by the instrumental rock band Sleeping People...
and they are being studied in the treatment of breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
. An antiprogestin is a type of hormone antagonist
Hormone antagonist
For the use of hormone antagonists in cancer, see hormonal therapy A Hormone antagonist is a specific type of receptor antagonist which acts upon hormones....
.
External links
- Antiprogestin entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms