Twenty-two patients with metastatic
cancer of the prostate were treated with ZoladexR, an
LHRH analogue. In all cases plasma
testosterone levels decreased to post-surgical
castration values. This inhibitory effect of
Zoladex on testicular
steroid production had a favourable influence on the course of the
malignancy, since 75 p. 100 of objective responses were obtained after 3 months of treatment. The functional symptoms were distinctly improved, and the
drug was well tolerated, notably by the cardiovascular system. This immediate effectiveness seemed to last for several months, one-half of the patients still being in remission after 3 to 15 months. The beneficial effects of
LHRH agonists, similar to those of
pulpectomy or oestrogen
therapy, are limited by the susceptibility of the tumour to
hormones. In view of their effectiveness and good tolerance,
LHRH agonists are useful in the management of advanced
prostatic cancer, either as initial
therapy or to replace a poorly tolerated oestrogen
therapy. Further studies are needed to clarify their indications and the possible value of their association with anti-
androgens or
antimitotic drugs.