PHASE-II RADIATION-THERAPY ONCOLOGY GROUP-STUDY OF HORMONAL CYTOREDUCTION WITH FLUTAMIDE AND ZOLADEX IN LOCALLY ADVANCED-CARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE TREATED WITH DEFINITIVE RADIOTHERAPY

In patients with locally advanced (bulky) carcinoma of the prostate, definitive radiotherapy is associated with a high rate of local recurrence. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) has conducted several studies evaluating hormonal cytoreduction (used as an induction regimen) as a means of improving the local control rate. RTOG 85-19 tested an induction regimen consisting of a depot LH-RH agonist (Zoladex) and an antiandrogen (flutamide). Eligible patients were those with bulky primary lesions (stage B2 and C) with disease confined to the pelvis. Zoladex was administered every 29 days via a subcutaneous injection. Flutamide was given by mouth in a dose of 250 mg t.i.d. Administration of the drugs was initiated 2 months prior to start of radiotherapy and was terminated at completion of the radiotherapy course. Radiotherapy consisted of 180-200 rad/day, 4,400-4,500 rad to the regional lymphatics, and 6,500-7,000 rad to the prostate. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of the combined (hormonal cytoreduction plus definitive radiotherapy) regimen. Thirty-one patients were accessioned; 30 are analyzable. The drug-related toxicity appears acceptable. It included appearance of diarrhea before initiation of radiotherapy in two patients, nausea during the 2nd week of drug administration in two patients, and skin rash in three patients. These phenomena appear to be related to flutamide. Hot flashes were recorded in 17 patients. With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, clearance of the primary lesions (by clinical examination) was documented in 28 of 30 patients. During the 1st year, two of 30 patients died (of unrelated causes) with residual palpable tumors. The observed toxicity appears acceptable and the response rate encouraging. A phase III study comparing the tested regimen against radiotherapy alone appears warranted.