Evaluation of synthetic agonist analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (leuprolide) on testicular androgen production in patients with carcinoma of prostate.

Leuprolide (Lupron, TAP Pharmaceuticals), a potent agonist analogue of GnRH, has been shown to suppress testicular androgen production in animals. In order to determine the potential of leuprolide as an alternative to surgical castration in human males with prostatic cancer, this agent was administered to castrate and noncastrate males with carcinoma of the prostate. Baseline and treatment levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were determined serially. Leuprolide suppressed pituitary production of LH and FSH and, consequently, testicular production of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. This agent simulates the results achieved with surgical castration.