Current status of endocrine therapy for prostate cancer

Hormonal therapy, considered standard treatment for prostate cancer for forty years, is being reevaluated in light of more recent analysis of the studies conducted by the VA Cooperative Urologic Research Group (VACURG). Modalities reviewed include diethylstilbestrol, estramustine phosphate, aminoglutethimide, progestational agents, antiandrogens, orchiectomy, and the newer LHRH analogues, such as leuprolide and combination hormonal therapies. The author examines the rational use of hormonal treatments in terms of their advantages and disadvantages, the optimal timing and dosage of each, and the possibility of combining hormonal therapy with chemotherapy.