The role of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy in locally advanced prostate cancer and biochemical failure: considerations for optimal use.
BACKGROUND
More patients are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age with earlier stage disease because of advances in screening and detection. Investigators continue to explore the use of hormone therapy, particularly luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues, earlier in the course of disease.


OBJECTIVE
This review summarizes clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of LHRH analogues in the treatment of locoregional disease or following biochemical failure.


METHODS
Relevant information from clinical studies was identified through a MEDLINE search of the medical literature published in English in the last 5 years (search terms: LHRH and prostate cancer). The search included prospective and retrospective clinical studies on LHRH therapy in locally advanced prostate cancer. Additional relevant publications published before 1999 were identified from citations in the resulting articles.


RESULTS
The available clinical evidence suggests that the use of LHRH analogues as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in conjunction with radiation therapy may improve survival outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the use of LHRH analogues after biochemical failure. However, several related studies indicate that initiating hormone therapy earlier rather than later may provide some clinical benefit. When considering early initiation of LHRH therapy, the potential risks of long-term treatment must be considered. Physiologic changes, such as deterioration of body composition and bone quality, may have important effects on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although some clinical evidence supports the use of LHRH analogues as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy or following biochemical failure, further study is needed. In the meantime, clinicians should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of early hormone therapy when making treatment decisions.
Teillac
Pierre
P
Hôpital St. Louis, Paris, France. pierre.teillac@sls.ap-hop-paris.fr
Bono
Aldo V
AV
Irani
Jacques
J
Wirth
Manfred P
MP
Zlotta
Alexandre R
AR
D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen