Androgen deprivation therapy for patients with clinically localized (stages T1 to T3) prostate cancer and for patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy

Recently published studies suggest a benefit for androgen deprivation thera py (ADT) delivered early in the course of prostate cancer. However, the use of ADT specifically in patients with clinically localized disease or bioch emical-disease recurrence after local therapy is not well defined. Potentia l candidates for primary ADT include patients who are poor candidates for d efinitive local therapy because of advanced age or comorbid conditions, as well as patients with significant local disease who refuse standard therapy . Treatment strategies designed to minimize the side effects of prolonged t herapy, such as intermittent ADT or antiandrogen monotherapy, show promise as alternatives to continuous ADT in some patients. The role of ADT in pati ents with clinically localized and recurrent prostate cancer, whether it is delivered in a continuous or intermittent fashion, must be determined in r andomized, prospective trials. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc.