Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone downstaging of clinical stage C prostate cancer

A total of 7 patients with clinical stage C prostate cancer determined by digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, radionuclide bone scanning and serum prostatic acid phosphatase determination was treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues for 2 to 5 months in an attempt to downstage the disease. Although substantial decreases in prostate specific antigen level and prostatic volume occurred, only 2 patients experienced pathological downstaging of disease. We conclude that luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy for downstaging of clinical stage C prostatic cancer is of limited value.