Objective treatment response to endocrine therapy in metastatic prostate cancer

A ten-year review of 198 patients with Stage D2 prostate cancer identified 13 patients (6.6%) who exhibited objective responses to hormonal treatment, as indicated by regression of a positive bone scan, CT scan, or chest x-ray film. Four patients had complete responses and 9 patients achieved partial responses as judged by the National Prostatic Cancer Project criteria. Median survival for those with objective treatment response has not yet been reached (> 44 months) compared with twenty-four months for the nonresponders (p = 0.00006). Although relatively uncommon, objective treatment response in Stage D2 prostate cancer is correlated with an improved prognosis.