Related Experiment Videos
Long-term experience with flutamide in patients with prostatic carcinoma
G R Prout1, M A Keating, P P Griffin
1Urological Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Urology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Flutamide treatment for metastatic prostate cancer showed that objective responses led to longer survival (50 months). Minimal tumor burden patients experienced the best outcomes with flutamide, achieving objective responses and surviving an average of 60 months.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metastatic prostate cancer requires effective treatment options.
- Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen used in prostate cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of flutamide in previously untreated metastatic prostate cancer patients.
- To assess the relationship between disease characteristics, tumor burden, and treatment response.
- To determine survival outcomes and duration of response.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two patients with untreated metastatic prostate cancer received flutamide (250 mg tid).
- Response was assessed using objective and subjective criteria.
- Endpoints included duration of response and overall survival.
- Tumor burden and presenting disease manifestations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Objective response to flutamide was associated with the longest survival (mean 50 months).
- Patients with minimal tumor burden achieved objective responses and had a mean survival of 60 months.
- No objective response correlated with shorter survival (mean 11 months), while subjective response yielded 17.2 months.
- Flutamide was tolerated in patients previously treated with diethylstilbestrol, with some experiencing improved sexual potency.
Conclusions:
- Flutamide demonstrates efficacy in metastatic prostate cancer, particularly in patients with minimal tumor burden.
- Objective response to flutamide is a significant predictor of prolonged survival.
- Tumor burden is a critical factor influencing treatment outcomes in prostate cancer.