Serum lipid levels and thromboembolic complications during estrogen therapy of prostatic cancer.

The effect of diethylstilboestrol diphosphate (DES) and polyestradiol phosphate (PES) on the serum lipid levels of 40 prostatic cancer patients was investigated during a long-term follow-up. In patients treated with DES serum triglyceride levels elevated significantly whereas changes in serum cholesterol and total lipid contents were not significant. In patients treated with PES no significant changes in serum triglyceride, cholesterol and total lipid levels were found. Nineteen out of 40 (48%) of patients developed cardiovasculat complications during the trial; 11 had cerebrovascular attacks, 5 coronary occlusion and 3 thromboembolism in the leg. There was a significant increase in serum triglyceride levels in all patients who developed vascular disorders, whereas the changes in serum cholesterol and total lipids were not significant. The results suggest a possible association between the increase of serum triglycerides and the development of thromboembolic complications.