Goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression)
Monthly or 3-monthly injections that switch off the ovaries, letting premenopausal women use aromatase inhibitors and lowering recurrence in higher-risk cases.
GnRH agonists induce reversible medical menopause. SOFT/TEXT showed OFS + exemestane or tamoxifen reduces recurrence versus tamoxifen alone, with absolute gains largest in women who needed chemotherapy. Also used for fertility preservation during chemotherapy (POEMS).
- Route
- Subcutaneous implant / intramuscular depot
- Schedule
- Goserelin 3.6 mg monthly or 10.8 mg 3-monthly; leuprolide 3.75 mg monthly or 11.25 mg 3-monthly, for 5 years
- Monitoring
- Oestradiol to confirm suppression; bone density
- Medicare
- Part B (clinician-administered)
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. Zoladex implant placed by the clinician; Part B.
- Commercial insurance
- covered on label
Covered under the medical benefit as a GnRH agonist; brand preference varies by plan.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
- Notes
- Generic GnRH agonists; NG101 recommends ovarian function suppression for premenopausal ER-positive breast cancer. Funded routinely.
- NHS England
- Routinely funded for the appraised indication (or via managed access)
Sources: NICE search: goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression). Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Approvals
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 1989 | Advanced breast cancer (goserelin); prostate cancer |
| Adverse event | Any grade | Grade 3+ |
|---|---|---|
| Hot flushes | 93% | — |
| Vaginal dryness / sexual dysfunction | 50% | — |
| Bone loss | 30% | — |
Events listed without rates were not read from a primary source; see the label. Blank cells mean the figure was not sourced, not that it is zero.
Trials
topRecruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Landmark trials in OnCo
Latest papers
topQuery for this drug: (TITLE:"Goserelin / leuprolide" OR ABSTRACT:"Goserelin / leuprolide" OR TITLE:"ovarian function suppression" OR ABSTRACT:"ovarian function suppression" OR TITLE:"Zoladex; Lupron" OR ABSTRACT:"Zoladex; Lupron") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression), not a curated reading list.
Pages like this
not linked directly; found by shared links- ProductExemestane
Shares Ovarian function suppression (OFS), SOFT & TEXT, Estrogen receptor (ERα), Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs).
- InstitutionBarbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Shares Estrogen receptor (ERα), Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs), HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer.
- IdeaLow-dose tamoxifen for high-risk women, prescribed by pharmacists and nurses
Shares Estrogen receptor (ERα), Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs), HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer.
- ProductTamoxifen
Shares Ovarian function suppression (OFS), SOFT & TEXT, Estrogen receptor (ERα), Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs).
- IdeaUse residual disease tests to decide who needs ten years of hormone therapy
Shares SOFT & TEXT, Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs), HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer.
- ProductLeuprolide (leuprorelin) and GnRH agonists
Shares Ovarian function suppression (OFS), Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs), HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer.
- TriallidERA
Shares Estrogen receptor (ERα), HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer.
- PersonAnn H. Partridge
Shares Endocrine therapy (SERMs, AIs, SERDs), HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer.