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Comparison of flutamide and Emcyt in hormone-refractory metastatic prostatic cancer
J N de Kernion1, G P Murphy, R Priore
1Division of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles.
Abstract:
A prospective randomized trial for metastatic prostatic cancer in 220 patients who were refractory to hormone therapy was conducted by the National Prostatic Cancer Project from 1984 to 1985. As of July, 1986, the evaluation of these patients reflected no difference in response to either estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) or flutamide. Toxicities were minimal, and the observed survival and progression-free survival intervals were noteworthy in view of the overall prospects for such patients. Future studies dealing with specific quality of life issues seem to be indicated by our results.
Insights
Estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) and flutamide showed similar efficacy in hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer patients. Both treatments offered minimal toxicity with noteworthy survival benefits, suggesting further quality of life research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Metastatic prostate cancer often becomes refractory to hormone therapy.
- Effective treatment options for hormone-refractory prostate cancer are limited.
- Estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) and flutamide are established chemotherapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and toxicity of estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) versus flutamide in patients with metastatic prostate cancer refractory to hormone therapy.
- To evaluate survival and progression-free survival in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized trial involving 220 patients was conducted by the National Prostatic Cancer Project.
- Patients were randomized to receive either estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) or flutamide.
- Data were collected from 1984 to 1985, with evaluation as of July 1986.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in treatment response was observed between estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) and flutamide.
- Both treatment arms exhibited minimal toxicities.
- Observed survival and progression-free survival intervals were encouraging given the patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) and flutamide demonstrate comparable efficacy in hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer.
- These agents are well-tolerated with manageable side effects.
- Future research should focus on quality of life assessments in patients undergoing these treatments.