What is "goserelin"

n. (context medicine English) A synthetic peptide, that function as hormones that release gonadotrophin, used to treat various cancers

Goserelin acetate (trade name Zoladex, by AstraZeneca) is a drug used to suppress production of the sex hormones ( testosterone and estrogen), particularly in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. It is an injectable gonadotropin releasing hormone superagonist ( GnRH agonist), also known as a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist.

Structurally, it is a decapeptide. It is the natural LHRH/GnRH decapeptide with two substitutions to inhibit rapid degradation.

Goserelin acetate stimulates the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen in a non-pulsatile (non-physiological) manner. This causes the disruption of the endogenous hormonal feedback systems, resulting in the down-regulation of testosterone and estrogen production.

Zoladex was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1989 for treatment of prostate cancer.