[Suppressive effects of the antiandrogen flutamide on adrenal androgens in advanced prostate cancer patients].

PURPOSE AND METHODS

We investigated the influence of flutamide on plasma adrenal androgens in advanced prostate cancer patients treated with dietylstilbestrol diphosphate (DES-DP) followed by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LH-RH agonist). Nine patients were enrolled in this study and they were divided into the following two treatment groups; group A: LHRH agonist mono-therapy (n = 4) and group B: LHRH agonist with flutamide (n = 5). For prevention of flare up, all patients were treated with DES-DP.

RESULTS

Two-week DES-DP administration led to reduction of plasma adrenal androgen levels. These levels were kept lower for 16 weeks in group B in contrast with group A in which the levels returned to the pretreatment levels. Basal ACTH levels in group B were significantly lower than those in group A.

CONCLUSION

From our observations, we found that flutamide reduced adrenal androgen levels in prostate cancer patients treated with LH-RH agonist. ACTH suppression might be related to this phenomenon.