ANDROGEN THERAPY FOR REFRACTORY ANEMIA: REPORT OF A CASE ASSOCIATED WITH THYMOMA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Androgen therapy increases erythropoietic activity in otherwise refractory anemia. Decreased erythropoietic activity and resultant anemia has been observed with thymoma. A patient is described whose refractory anemia did not respond to removal of the thymoma, splenectomy or adrenal cortical therapy, but who did enter a remission of over one year as a result of intensive androgen therapy. No similar case has yet appeared in the medical literature. The success of androgen therapy in certain cases of diminished erythroid activity has been reported. Apparently a relationship exists between thymoma and decreased erythropoietic activity. In some cases the latter may be controlled by androgen therapy.