Combined treatment (goserelin plus flutamide) versus monotherapy (goserelin alone) in advanced prostate cancer: a...

This study compared goserelin monotherapy with goserelin plus flutamide in the treatment of stage C or D prostatic cancer. Patients were stratified according to whether distant metastases were present or absent. After a mean follow-up of 33 months, combined treatment with goserelin and flutamide produced a higher response rate and a more rapid normalization of abnormal levels of prostatic acid phosphatase and prostatic specific antigen than treatment with goserelin alone. A more prompt relief of bone pain was also evident. An advantage, though not statistically significant, in terms of progression and survival was demonstrated in the combination group when metastases were present before the start of treatment. In both groups, the median for progression as well as the PCA-related and nonrelated death was not achieved during the study period.