[Current evidence about intermittent androgenic deprivation in prostate cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical application of intermittent hormonotherapy in prostatic carcinoma.


METHODS
We conducted a systematic review in MEDLINE database and COCHRANE Library using the words MeSH "prostate cancer, androgenic deprivation and intermittent". There were included those with the best level of evidence and published in the last 10 years.


RESULTS
Intermittent hormone therapy is one of the tools we use in urological armamentarium for special circumstances. This analysis highlights: possibility to regain sexual function during the period of suspension of treatment (time off) due to the recovery of testosterone levels also demonstrating an improvement in symptoms, decreased costs preserving the same oncological control compared to complete androgenic deprivation.


CONCLUSIONS
There is still controversy about the benefits in quality of life and the emergence of long-term side effects typical of continuous hormonal therapy. Therefore and until now, we should only propose intermittent therapy in selected patients.
Cátedra Urología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Clínica Andina de Urología, Mendoza, Argentina.
J D
JD
López
G
G
López-Fontana
R
R
López-Fontana
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal