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Flutamide--an antiandrogen inhibiting prostatic cancer and prostatic secretion with retention of potency
B Stegmayr1, J E Johansson, L B Schnürer
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
Abstract:
Ten men with prostatic cancer, stage T3M0 Nx or more, who were anxious to maintain sexual potency, were treated with flutamide. The eight metastasis-free tumours remained stable during treatment periods of 3-48 months. The two tumours with metastasis at the start of treatment showed growth inhibition for 3 and 7 months, respectively, but thereafter progressed, leading to change of treatment. Nine of the ten men claimed maintained potency during flutamide therapy. Seven delivered ejaculate for biochemical analysis during or after flutamide therapy, as further evidence of potency. Biochemical analyses of the pre-flutamide ejaculates revealed higher values for markers of prostatic secretion in cases with high level of tumour differentiation. Significant reduction in the secreted amount of prostatic and seminal vesicle parameters was found in all the studied cases during flutamide therapy.
Insights
Flutamide therapy helped maintain sexual potency in most men with advanced prostate cancer. While it stabilized tumors initially, long-term effectiveness varied, with some cancers progressing despite treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Andrology
Background:
- Advanced prostate cancer (stage T3M0 Nx or higher) presents significant treatment challenges.
- Maintaining sexual potency is a key concern for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
- Flutamide is an anti-androgen medication used in prostate cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of flutamide in managing advanced prostate cancer.
- To assess the impact of flutamide on maintaining sexual potency in treated patients.
- To analyze biochemical markers of prostatic and seminal vesicle secretion during flutamide therapy.
Main Methods:
- Ten men with advanced prostate cancer received flutamide treatment.
- Tumor response (stability, growth inhibition, progression) was monitored.
- Sexual potency was assessed through patient-reported outcomes and ejaculate analysis.
- Biochemical analysis of prostatic and seminal vesicle parameters in ejaculate was performed.
Main Results:
- Eight metastasis-free tumors remained stable during 3-48 months of flutamide therapy.
- Two tumors with initial metastasis showed temporary growth inhibition (3 and 7 months) before progression.
- Nine out of ten men reported maintained sexual potency during flutamide treatment.
- Flutamide therapy led to a significant reduction in prostatic and seminal vesicle secretion markers.
Conclusions:
- Flutamide demonstrates potential in stabilizing advanced prostate cancer and maintaining sexual potency.
- Tumor response to flutamide can be variable, with some cancers eventually progressing.
- Flutamide significantly impacts prostatic and seminal vesicle secretions, correlating with potency.