title: Ketoconazole as primary treatment of prostatic cancer.
abstract: Ketoconazole 400 mg 8-hourly was used as primary hormonal treatment in 12 patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma. Four patients were withdrawn because of side effects and 1 died. The 7 patients who tolerated the drug had a reduction in testosterone and adrenal androgens. Six patients were fully evaluable. There was one partial response with complete remission of symptoms. Two patients enjoyed a subjective response and 3 showed no response. Ketoconazole had an effective biochemical action but the side effects seen in this study severely limit its usefulness. Ketoconazole has now been withdrawn as a treatment for prostatic cancer. However, less toxic derivatives might prove a useful addition to the drugs available to treat this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Moffat
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Tolley
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Beastall
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000097:blood; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D013739:Testosterone; D007654:Ketoconazole