[Complete androgen blockade (orchiectomy + flutamide) versus androgen blockade with cytostasis (orchiectomy + estramustine) in the treatment of virginal advanced prostate cancer].

The results of orchiectomy + flutamide (n = 28) versus orchiectomy + estramustine (n = 27) in the initial therapy of advanced prostatic cancer were compared in a prospective randomized study. The minimum observation period was one year. In the group orchiectomy + flutamide the incidence of side effects was 25%, the response rate (complete + partial remission) was 28% and the progression rate was 18%. 5 patients (18%) died within the first year. In the group orchiectomy + estramustine the incidence of side effects was 22%, the response rate (complete + partial remission) was 29% and the progression rate was 33%. 2 patients (7%) died within 1 year of treatment. There is no significant difference either in the response rate or the progression rate between the two groups.