The importance of prognostic factors in advanced prostate cancer

Three factors were identified in a multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in men with metastatic prostate cancer as significantly associated with their progression-free survival: 1) extent of disease on the bone scan, 2) pretreatment serum testosterone, and 3) performance status. Men with less than six bone metastases, a pretreatment testosterone greater than 300 ng/100 ml, and an excellent performance status will have a progression-free survival much longer than a man with more extensive bone metastases, a low testosterone prior to androgen deprivation, and a poor performance status. This information should be used to ensure proper stratification in randomized trials. It may also be helpful in identifying the patient unlikely to be helped by our current treatment. Such patients should be considered for alternative approaches with the aim of improving survival.