European trials and the management of prostate cancer

Efforts continue to improve the outlook for patients with all stages of prostate cancer. The addition of adjuvant or neo-adjuvant hormone therapy to radical prostatectomy may improve the curability of advanced localized disease. Various novel forms of maximal androgen blockade continue to be explored, including the reintroduction of safer forms of estrogen therapy. Chemotherapy remains largely experimental but its earlier introduction, when the patient's general condition remains good, may lead to improvement in the quantity and quality of life of patients with advanced disease.