Tamoxifen in advanced prostatic carcinoma. A dose escalation study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology

Background:

• Advanced prostatic carcinoma is a significant health concern.
• Effective treatments for metastatic prostate cancer are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of tamoxifen citrate in patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma.
• To determine the optimal dosage of tamoxifen citrate for this patient population.

Main Methods:

• 17 patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma and measurable disease were enrolled.
• Tamoxifen citrate was administered orally at escalating doses (10-50 mg twice daily).
• Objective responses, biochemical markers (acid/alkaline phosphatase, testosterone), and prostate biopsies were assessed.

Main Results:

• No objective responses were observed in measurable disease sites across all dose levels.
• Acid phosphatase levels decreased in 0% of courses; alkaline phosphatase decreased in 18%.
• Serum testosterone levels showed transient increases, with no observed tumor flares or changes in tumor histology.

Conclusions:

• Tamoxifen citrate demonstrated no significant activity in metastatic prostatic carcinoma within the evaluated dose range.
• Further research into alternative therapeutic strategies for advanced prostate cancer is warranted.