Cytostatic therapy, its value and indications in the management of prostatic carcinoma

Observations with cytostatic therapy of generalized prostatic carcinoma (PC) over 5 years are reported, cyclophosphamide (cpa) having been administered to hormone-resistant patients. A standard therapeutic and follow-up scheme, enabling the results to be assessed objectively, had been elaborated. Objective remission or stagnation, confirmed on this basis, was attained in 50%, relief of pain in 60% of the cases. Side effects were negligible. Withdrawal of cytostatics was required in 2 cases. The results indicate that secondary cytostatic therapy significantly potentiated the effect of hormone therapy in generalized PC, and in case of hormone resistance it offers the only chance of therapeutic benefit.