Combination finasteride and flutamide in advanced carcinoma of the prostate: effective therapy with minimal side effects.
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of the combination of finasteride and flutamide in select patients with advanced prostatic cancer is determined.


METHODS
A total of 22 sexually active patients with stages C and D1 carcinoma of the prostate was treated with finasteride plus flutamide. Mean followup was 22 months.


RESULTS
Initial mean prostate specific antigen level was 42.9 ng./ml. At 3 and 6 months, the mean prostate specific antigen level was 3.6 ng./ml. and 2.9 ng./ml., respectively. The results appear durable at 24 months. Side effects were minimal, with 86% of the men maintaining sexual function.


CONCLUSIONS
Finasteride plus flutamide should be considered in sexually active patients with minimal volume advanced prostate cancer.
Fleshner
N E
NE
Division of Urology, University of Toronto, Canada.
Trachtenberg
J
J
D000368:Aged; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018120:Finasteride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005485:Flutamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012074:Remission Induction; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D013739:Testosterone; D018120:Finasteride; D005485:Flutamide; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen