Ketoconazole as primary treatment of prostatic cancer.
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 Four patients were withdrawn because of side effects and 1 died.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 Ketoconazole has now been withdrawn as a treatment for prostatic cancer.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.
Moffat
L E
LE
Department of Urology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
Kirk
D
D
Tolley
D A
DA
Smith
M F
MF
Beastall
G
G
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
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D013739:Testosterone; D007654:Ketoconazole