Hydroxyurea in stage D carcinoma of prostate

Thirty patients with histologically proved metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma Stage D were treated with a single oral dose of 80 mg. per Kg. hydroxyurea every third day (based on ideal or actual weight, whichever is less) and 12 mg. chlorotrianisene per day. Toxicity was mild. The most common manifestations were nausea, occasional vomiting, and leukopenia. A definite attempt was made to depress the white blood count to approximately 2,000 cells per cu. mm. Hydroxyurea was not discontinued unless the white blood count decreased to less than 2,000 cells per cu. mm., after which a single dose was usually omitted. Omission of a single dose would allow the white blood count to return promptly to more than 2,000 cells per cu. mm. Objective tumor regression was demonstrated in 15 of the 30 patients, and most patients had a definite improvement in the quality of life.