Definition

Noun 1. A synthetic progestational compound used to treat endometrial carcinoma: Megestrol acetate is a man-made drug that mimics the hormone progesterone. Its primary medical use is in the treatment of a specific type of uterine cancer.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The oncologist prescribed megestrol acetate to manage the patient's endometrial carcinoma.
  • Megestrol acetate is a hormonal therapy option for advanced breast cancer as well.
  • A common side effect of taking megestrol acetate is increased appetite.

Advanced Usage

• "Megestrol acetate therapy": Refers to the treatment regimen involving this drug.
  • She responded well to megestrol acetate therapy, showing a reduction in tumor size.
• "Administer megestrol acetate": The formal term for giving the drug to a patient.
  • The nurse will administer megestrol acetate orally once daily.

Variants and Related Words

• Megace®: A common brand name for megestrol acetate.
  • The prescription was written for Megace.
• Progestin / Progestogen: The class of synthetic hormones to which megestrol acetate belongs.
  • Megestrol acetate is a type of progestin.

Synonyms

• Progestational agent: A general term for substances that produce effects similar to progesterone.
• Antineoplastic hormone: A hormone used to treat cancer.

Notes on Meaning

While its primary and original use is for endometrial carcinoma, megestrol acetate is also used for other medical purposes. These are distinct applications of the same compound: * Treatment of breast cancer: Used in some cases of advanced hormone-sensitive breast cancer. * Appetite stimulant: Used to treat severe appetite and weight loss (cachexia) in patients with AIDS or cancer.

Noun

1. a synthetic progestational compound used to treat endometrial carcinoma