[Endocrine therapy for prostate cancer in the future]

Endocrine therapy for prostate cancer has been changing rapidly. While LH-RH agonists have been popularly used in medication, their long-acting sustained release formulation is about to be introduced to clinics in Japan. LH-RH antagonists, which have not attracted much attention of clinicians because of adverse reactions, are also going to be put into practical use in the near future. Bicalutamide, which is considered to have greater usefulness than other anti-androgens, is now under regulatory review by the authorities for approval. In addition, a broader range of endocrine therapies is being studied for treatment of prostate cancer. In terms of treatment methods, a number of attempts are made in selection of subject patients, treatment timing, combination treatment and so on.