DES—a carcinogen?

Press, 24 September 1979, Page 16

DES—a carcinogen?

Sir, — Against substantial evidence to the contrary from Australia and the United States, Dr Green, of the National Women’s Hospital (“The Press,” September 6), apears to refute any links between Diethylstilboestrol administered to pregnant women and vaginal cancers in their female offspring. Is it not strange then that his colleagues, Drs Louisson and Phillips, report of strong warnings given to medical practitioners on the use of DES and that the drug continues to be administered to pregnant women in Christchurch? A further and lessconflicting statement is required. — Yours, etc.. Ms K. THOMPSON. September 8, 1979.

[Dr G. I. Louisson, Medical Superintendent, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, replies: “I cannot answer for Professor Green’s views, which are often stimulating and controversial. However, K. Thompson’s letter suggests that DES continues to be administered in Christchurch to pregnant women. Where is the evidence for this? It is certainly not administered at Christchurch Women’s Hospital to any woman, pregnant or not; and I have no knowledge of its administration anywhere else in Christchurch, in fact, although a popular drug in the United States, it has never been much used in this country.”]