Antiandrogen monotherapy in the management of advanced prostate cancer

The utility of monotherapy with antiandrogens in prostate cancer is under investigation. Flutamide (Eulexin, Schering-Plough International) appears equally effective to castration in prolonging progression-free survival. Nilutamide (Anandron, Roussel) has been studied less widely, but may represent a valid treatment option in advanced prostate cancer. Preliminary results suggest that bicalutamide (Casodex, Zeneca Ltd) is as effective as castration in non-metastatic disease. Monotherapy with non-steroidal antiandrogens may offer successful palliative management of advanced prostate cancer with significant value in enhancing certain aspects of quality of life.