NCIt definition : The acetate salt of a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Leuprolide binds to and activates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors.
Continuous, prolonged administration of leuprolide in males results in pituitary GnRH
receptor desensitization and inhibition of pituitary secretion of follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), leading to a significant decline in testosterone
production; in females, prolonged administration results in a decrease in estradiol
production. This agent reduces testosterone production to castration levels and may
inhibit androgen receptor-positive tumor progression.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug used to treat symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. It is also being
studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer. The active ingredient
leuprolide blocks the body from making testosterone (a male hormone) and estradiol
(a female hormone). It may stop the growth of prostate cancer cells that need testosterone
to grow. Some brands of leuprolide are also used to treat early puberty in children
and certain gynecologic conditions. Leuprolide acetate is a type of gonadotropin-releasing
hormone analog.;