[Treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate with Estracyt (author's transl)]

40 patients with prostatic carcinoma were treated with parenteral and/or oral Estracyt (estramustine phosphate) until 55 months. Metastases were present in 37 patients (stage D). 35 of the 40 patients developed metastases in spite of estrogen therapy and/or orchidectomy. Diminution of metastasic bone pain as well as improvement of hydroureteronephrosis was frequently observed. Paraplegia secondary to metastatic disease improved in 1 case for 6 months. Side effects were relatively rare and were mainly gastrointestinal. A possible hepatotoxic action of the compound has been pointed out previously. On the basis of our studies Estracyt is recommended in the treatment of primary estrogen resistent prostatic carcinoma and in metastatic carcinoma of the prostate not responding to conventional antiandrogenic therapy anymore.