Megestrol acetate for treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate

Thirteen men, ranging in age from 53 to 73 years and with previously untreated metastatic carcinoma of the prostate, received megestrol acetate (a synthetic progestin) in doses of 120 mg daily. A beneficial clinical response with a mean duration of 47 weeks was achieved in 12 patients (92%). When relapse developed in 8 patients, a secondary response was readily obtained by orchiectomy. The results suggest that a staged hormonal approach, using progestin therapy initially, may offer additional palliation in treating patients with metastatic prostatic carcinoma.