Treatment of locally advanced prostatic carcinoma

An analysis of 66 patients with prostatic carcinoma treated by telecobalt therapy more than two years ago shows that this can be curative in a high percentage of cases. Local failure occurred in 20.5%. Well-differentiated tumours are more radiosensitive. Clinical regression can take a long time and histology can remain positive for even longer in an inactive prostate gland. A high dose is however required. The use of oestrogens should be delayed until further treatment is needed, as oestrogen seems to increase the radioresistance of the tumour. Radiotherapy seems to be the treatment of choice in inoperable (and even operable) patients with carcinoma of the prostate limited to the pelvis.