Androgen deprivation therapy as primary treatment for prostate cancer.

Context: Hormonal therapy has been the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer for over 70 yr. The timing and extent of androgen ablative therapy for earlier stage disease remains controversial. In addition, recent studies demonstrate that so-called "castration-resistant" tumors are still dependent on androgen receptor signaling.

Patient And Methods: A 66-yr-old man presented with clinical stage T1C N+ M0 prostate cancer and received primary androgen deprivation therapy. Over the course of the next 17 yr, he was treated with various forms of androgen deprivation therapy, including two newer agents, abiraterone acetate and MDV 3100. A review of the literature was conducted to identify indications, controversies, and new developments regarding hormonal therapy for prostate cancer.

Conclusions: Androgen deprivation therapy remains the treatment of choice for metastatic prostate cancer; however, it is not without its adverse effects, and most men with advanced disease eventually develop castration resistance. Newer compounds that more specifically and effectively target androgen and androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer cells may provide more long-lasting remissions in advanced disease.