Radiation and hormonal therapy for locally advanced and clinically localized prostate cancer

Increasingly, radiation therapists are using neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in higher-risk patients who are receiving radiation therapy with curative intent. Studies supporting this combination therapy have shown a benefit in patients with locally advanced disease based on the relatively short follow-up time to report, to date. The differing study designs, patient selection criteria, and regimens used in these studies are reviewed and compared, along with the reported outcomes. Trials currently underway will examine the efficacy of ADT (4 to 6 months in duration) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer with >/=1 high-risk features.