Goserelin is a decapeptide, meaning it consists of ten amino acids. Its chemical formula is C59H84N18O14, and it has a molar mass of approximately 1269.43 g/mol . The structure of goserelin includes modifications to the natural GnRH decapeptide to inhibit rapid degradation, making it more effective for therapeutic use .
Goserelin works by overstimulating the body’s production of certain hormones, which leads to a temporary shutdown of that production. Specifically, it stimulates the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a non-pulsatile manner. This disrupts the hormonal feedback systems, resulting in the down-regulation of testosterone and estrogen production .
Goserelin is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, including:
Additionally, goserelin is used to treat certain benign gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and for endometrial thinning .
Common side effects of goserelin include hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and injection site reactions. More serious side effects can include bone thinning and cardiovascular issues .
Goserelin represents a significant advancement in the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers, providing an effective means to manage and control the progression of these diseases.