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High-dose ketoconazole therapy in prostatic cancer. A pilot study.
Summary
Ketoconazole, an antifungal, was tested as a prostate cancer treatment to lower testosterone. However, the study found it ineffective at standard doses, suggesting higher dosages may be required for castration levels.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogen therapy and orchidectomy face contraindications and patient objections for prostate carcinoma treatment.
- There is a need for alternative therapeutic methods to manage prostate carcinoma by lowering serum testosterone levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ketoconazole as an alternative therapy for prostate carcinoma by assessing its efficacy in lowering serum testosterone levels.
Main Methods:
- A total of 19 patients with prostate carcinoma were studied.
- Ketoconazole was administered orally at a dosage of 200 mg every 8 hours.
- Serum testosterone levels were monitored to assess the drug's impact.
Main Results:
- Only 6 out of 19 patients (33.3%) achieved castrate levels of serum testosterone after 7 days of treatment.
- One patient was withdrawn from the study due to nausea and vomiting.
Conclusions:
- Ketoconazole, at the tested dosage, was not consistently effective in lowering serum testosterone to castrate levels in prostate carcinoma patients.
- Higher doses of ketoconazole may be necessary to achieve and maintain the desired testosterone suppression for therapeutic purposes.