The role of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy in locally advanced prostate cancer and biochemical failure: considerations for optimal use.

Background: More patients are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age with earlier stage disease because of advances in screening and detection. Investigators continue to explore the use of hormone therapy, particularly luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues, earlier in the course of disease.

Objective: This review summarizes clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of LHRH analogues in the treatment of locoregional disease or following biochemical failure.

Methods: Relevant information from clinical studies was identified through a MEDLINE search of the medical literature published in English in the last 5 years (search terms: LHRH and prostate cancer). The search included prospective and retrospective clinical studies on LHRH therapy in locally advanced prostate cancer. Additional relevant publications published before 1999 were identified from citations in the resulting articles.

Results: The available clinical evidence suggests that the use of LHRH analogues as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in conjunction with radiation therapy may improve survival outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the use of LHRH analogues after biochemical failure. However, several related studies indicate that initiating hormone therapy earlier rather than later may provide some clinical benefit. When considering early initiation of LHRH therapy, the potential risks of long-term treatment must be considered. Physiologic changes, such as deterioration of body composition and bone quality, may have important effects on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Conclusions: Although some clinical evidence supports the use of LHRH analogues as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy or following biochemical failure, further study is needed. In the meantime, clinicians should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of early hormone therapy when making treatment decisions.