[Advanced cancer of the prostate. Study of 60 cases treated in our milieu]

Prostate carcinoma is currently the third cause of cancer death among the male population, showing a clear trend to increase in terms of the number of cases detected over the last few years. 180 clinical reports of patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer since 1983 were revised. The study included 60 cases with a correct extension diagnosis, as well as clinical and analytical follow up. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the treatment received: maximum androgen blockade (group A), ablative treatment with diethylstilbestrol or orchiectomy (group B), and patients with other treatment (chemotherapy). Survival results were compared with due consideration to the prognostic factors. The comparative statistical analysis done on patients included in group A and B relative to age at diagnosis, time interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, analytical data at time of diagnosis, duration of treatment response and overall survival yielded significant differences in the variables studied. No conclusive data can be drawn from the results of our series as to whether treatment with maximum androgen blockade is superior to ablative treatment, therefore it is still necessary to carry out further studies to define which is the best therapeutical tool for use in prostate cancer.