title: [Value of a LHRH agonist (Zoladex) in hormonotherapy of advanced cancers of the prostate. Apropos of 22 patients].
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002064:Buserelin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D017273:Goserelin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D017273:Goserelin; D002064:Buserelin
vernacular_title: Intérêt d'un agoniste de la LHRH (Zoladex) dans l'hormonothérapie des cancers avancés de la prostate. A propos de 22 malades.