From a series of 39 patients presenting with a locally advanced
cancer of the prostate (Stage C), 26 were treated with an
LH-RH analogue,
Buserelin, for a period ranging between 7 and 22 months. After an initial period of
subcutaneous injections, the treatment was administered by intranasal spray (400 mcg three times a day). This resulted in levels of
testosterone similar to those of castrated men. In order to evaluate the effects of
buserelin on the primary tumour, a degree of cytological regression was established for all of the patients, using fine-needle aspiration biopsy which was performed every three months. The cytological results correspond with the
DNA analyses performed by cytophotometry of isolated cells and reveal a statistically significant reduction in the degree of anaploidy or
polyploidy in the cases in which the
prostatic cancer had responded favourably to treatment with
buserelin. 21 of the 26 patients treated with this potent
LH-RH analogue showed a good therapeutic response. 5 patients who did not show any signs of cytological regression were secondarily treated with
estramustine phosphate because of their resistance to
hormones. One patient received
cyclophosphamide as a tertiary treatment because of progression of his symptoms after 15 months. No appreciable side effects were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)