Response of lymph node metastasis to sequential estrogen and radiation therapy in prostate carcinoma

Increasingly sophisticated diagnostic studies have shown a high incidence of tumor spread to the regional lymph nodes. The status of the lymph nodes has been evaluated by noninvasive diagnostic procedures such as lymphangiography and computerized axial tomography. The applicability of these procedures has been enhanced by the use of stringent criteria. Gross lymph node metastasis can be diagnosed with considerable confidence. Serial observations of lymphangiograms and computerized axial tomograms before and two months after the administration of estrogens provide an added dimension to the interpretation of lymph node metastasis. The nature and range of the response of lymph node metastasis were observed. Survival of patients with gross lymph node metastasis treated by sequential estrogen and radiation therapy was evaluated. A total of 11/18 (61 per cent) of patients remained free of symptoms, 8/11 (74 per cent) with a favorable lymph node metastasis responsive to estrogen therapy, and 3/7 (42 per cent) with lymph node metastasis refractory to estrogen therapy. Follow-up computerized axial tomograms of the lymph nodes done at one and two years after irradiation showed a persistent favorable response. Five patients are alive with disease, and 2 patients died of the disease.