Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
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A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

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Estramustine and vinblastine for patients with progressive androgen-independent adenocarcinoma of the prostate

R J Amato1, J Ellerhorst, C Bui

  • 1Department of Genitourinary Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Urologic Oncology
|January 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This Phase II trial found estramustine and vinblastine combination therapy effective for androgen-independent prostate cancer, showing significant PSA reduction and good tolerability. Further investigation is warranted for this promising treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Urology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Limited treatment options exist for patients progressing despite castrate serum testosterone levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antitumor activity and toxicity of estramustine and vinblastine in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
  • To assess the impact of this combination therapy on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and time to disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • A Phase II clinical trial involving 31 consecutive patients with AIPC.
  • Treatment consisted of oral estramustine (140 mg three times daily) and intravenous vinblastine (6 mg/m(2) weekly) for 6 weeks.
  • Efficacy assessed by PSA reduction and toxicity by adverse events.

Main Results:

  • A 50% or greater PSA reduction was observed in 46% of evaluable patients (13/28).
  • Patients achieving >50% PSA reduction experienced a longer delay in disease progression.
  • Nonhematologic toxicity was mild (predominantly gastrointestinal); hematologic toxicity included grade III/IV granulocytopenia in some patients, without neutropenic fever.

Conclusions:

  • The combination of estramustine and vinblastine demonstrates notable antitumor activity in AIPC.
  • This regimen is generally well-tolerated, with manageable toxicity.
  • The observed PSA decline and tolerability support further investigation of this therapeutic combination.

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