[Effectiveness and safety of degarelix in treating hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: review of the recent literature].

Since their first clinical use in 1990 and up to the present time, the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues have formed the mainstay of androgen deprivation therapy of patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. The transient testosterone surge inherent in this group of hormonal therapy medications might contribute to cardiovascular complications, limiting to some extent their use. Conversely, LHRH antagonists have a minimal adverse effect profile and their use in clinical practice is seen as more promising. The most extensively studied and widely available LHRH antagonist is degarelix. It should be noted that degarelix is currently only available as a depot formulation given as a monthly injection which may be viewed as a disadvantage.