Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (1) ##STR1## wherein X represents the residue of the A, B and C rings of a asteroid, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.14 represents a hydrogen atom and R.sup.15 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy group of 1-4 carbon atoms, or a hydroxy or alkylcarbonyloxy group of 2 to 5 carbon atoms or R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 together represent a double bond, and R.sup.16 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, in the form of the free bases or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, are used for treatment of androgen-dependent disorders, especially prostatic cancer, and also oestrogen-dependent disorders such as breast cancer.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (1) ##STR1## wherein X represents the residue of the A, B and C rings of a steroid, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.14 represents a hydrogen atom and R.sup.15 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy group of 1-4 carbon atoms, or a hydroxy or alkylcarbonyloxy group of 2 to 5 carbon atoms or R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 together represent a double bond, and R.sup.16 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, in the form of the free bases or phannaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, are useful for treatment of androgen-dependent disorders, especially prostatic cancer, and also oestrogen-dependent disorders such as breast cancer.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (2) ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of from 3 to 10, the iodo substituent is in the 3- or 4-position and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, represent C.sub.1-3 alkyl, especially methyl or ethyl, groups or R.sup.l represents a hydrogen atom and R.sup.2 a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent a saturated heterocyclic group, especially a pyrrolidino group, in the form of their free bases or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are potent anti-oestrogenic compounds useful for treatment of oestrogen-dependent cancers, especially breast cancers. Compounds where the iodine atom is radioisotopic are useful in radiotherapy or gamma ray imaging of these cancers.