HORMONAL-THERAPY OF CANCER OF THE PROSTATE - PRESENT STATE

Since its introduction by Huggins, endocrine therapy of prostatic cancer has focussed on androgen deprivation and blockade. Its success proved to be the improvement of the quality of life. Disease-free and overall survival were not prolonged. To make the right choice from the presently available drugs the physician and his patient should be guided by the presence, or absence of toxicity and the most comfortable way of administration. Economic factors could probably play an important role as well. When orchiectomy is acceptable, CPA is the best choice for monotherapy, bringing about complete androgen blockade. However, in case the patient has some cardiovascular risk, LHRH-agonists might be a better choice. They should be combined with anti-androgens during the first 2-4 weeks.