Complete androgen blockade in prostate cancer: an overview of randomized trials

The role of the addition of anti-androgen therapy to surgical or chemical castration in metastatic prostate cancer is still unclear. The impact on time to progression and mortality of this treatment modality is, however, likely to be moderate at most. Is this therapeutic approach of real benefit? A reliable answer to this question requires the study of large numbers of patients. Several randomized studies are currently being performed and results are becoming available. Consideration of data available from all studies might make it possible to estimate the true value of this therapeutic approach.