The use of hormonal therapy with radiotherapy for prostate cancer: analysis of prospective randomised trials

Abstract

In 1901, Wilhelm Conrad Rö ntgen won the Nobel prize in Physics for his discovery of the Rö ntgen rays or, as he himself called them, X-rays. In 1966, Dr Charles Brenton Higgins won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his breakthroughs concerning hormonal treatment of prostatic cancer. After 31 years, in 1997, the first prospective randomised trials of the combination of hormonal therapy and radiation therapy were published, showing increased survival when compared to radiation therapy alone for patients with prostate cancer. Since 1997, many investigators have published trials combining hormonal and radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This minireview will address the largest and most influential of these trials, and attempt to guide physicians in selecting the appropriate patients for this combined approach.

The tissue plasminogen activator gene promoter: a novel tool for radiogenic gene therapy of the prostate?

“…Although several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of adjuvant hormonal therapy with radiation therapy, current management of prostate cancer is still associated with poor outcome 38. Because the prostate is an easily accessible accessory organ, prostate cancer is an ideal candidate for gene therapy.…”

Effects of androgen suppression and radiation on prostate cancer suggest a role for angiogenesis blockade

“…4 The efficacy of adjuvant hormonal therapy with radiation therapy has been demonstrated in several studies. 5 …”

Body image predicts quality of life in men with prostate cancer

“…Of the patients receiving ADT, 53% received it as a primary treatment because they refused or were considered medically ineligible for surgery or radiation. The remainder received it in addition to surgery or radiation as is standard for intermediate‐risk patients . Seventy‐four percent of patients received one treatment, 19% received two, and 7% received no active treatment.…”