Significant regression of the tumor combined with the high level of plasma cortisol by low-dose administration of O, p'-DDD in a case with Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenocortical carcinoma.

The effect of o, p'-DDD on a functioning adrenocortical carcinoma is described. A 52-year-old woman, who had a huge adrenocortical carcinoma and pulmonary metastasis, was treated by a low-dose administration of o, p'-DDD, which reduced the tumor size. The excretion of urinary 17-OHCS was decreased, whereas plasma cortisol was not decreased but rather increased. This was considered to be caused that o, p'-DDD functioned as a cytotoxic factor which did not improve the states of hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension. This suggested that monitoring to measure multiple steroids in addition to plasma cortisol and urinary 17-OHCS was useful for recognizing the general conditions of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma receiving o, p'-DDD therapy.