The role of estrogen, androgen and progestogen receptors in the management of carcinoma of the prostate.

Identification of specific 17-beta-estradiol, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone and progesterone binding proteins in 10 patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate is presented. A synthetic androgen radioligand (R1881) and a synthetic progesterone (R5020) were used. In all but 1 patient receptor protein assays were done before hormonal manipulation. Based on the preliminary findings it seems probable that prostatic carcinoma might be categorized for endocrine therapy similar to the method used for carcinoma of the breast.