[Diagnostic and treatment of prostatic cancer (author's transl)]

The diagnosis of prostatic cancer must be proved by biopsy. Transrectal fine needle biopsy and punch biopsy are also useful methods for the outpatient clinic. Besides X-ray examination scanning angiography and lymphography may be used to identify metastases. Combined antiandrogenic therapy is still the treatment of choice and is based on endocrinologic analysis of testosterone, LH levels and testosterone-binding beta-globulin. Radionuclids (32P, 89Sr) should be used for treating metastases of the bone. Chemotherapeutic substances showed unsatisfactory results. Radical prostatectomy can only be performed in 5 to 10% of all patients with prostatic cancer to metastases in T1 and T2 cases. Since 1965 the radiation therapy (linear accelerator or (60Co-source) gives more hope. We treat patients free from metastases with a 60Co-source (right and left lateral 120-degree arc rotational therapy with 5000 rads over 5 weeks) combined with hormonal therapy. The therapeutic effect is checked by fine needle aspiration biopsy.