A new look at an old option in the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer: Hormone therapy as an alternative to watchful waiting

F. E. Yang, P. Y. Song, J. Wayne, F. Vaida, S. Vijayakumar*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Watchful waiting is an attractive option in the management of early-stage, lowgrade prostate cancer because of the high financial costs and complication risks associated with surgery and radiotherapy. Despite the drawbacks of current local therapy, neither treatment can demonstrate a discernible survival benefit over observation alone. Even the slowest progressing disease, however, can potentially develop into a deadly medical problem. As a result, physicians and patients frequently have difficulty accepting untreated cancer. Therefore, we propose that another option be considered in cases of prostate cancer that would otherwise qualify for observation alone: the use of two oral hormonal agents, flutamide and finasteride, to achieve complete androgen blockade. Some evidence exists which suggests that such therapy may improve symptom-free survival, and perhaps overall survival as well. This 'aggressive' form of 'conservative' therapy may satisfy patient concerns that are not adequately addressed by current forms of therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)243-251
Number of pages9
JournalMedical Hypotheses
Volume51
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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