[1st clinical results of the treatment of locally advanced prostatic cancer with a powerful LH-RH analog: buserelin acetate].

From a series of 39 patients presenting with a locally advanced cancer of the prostate (Stage C), 26 were treated with an LH-RH analogue, Buserelin, for a period ranging between 7 and 22 months. After an initial period of subcutaneous injections, the treatment was administered by intranasal spray (400 mcg three times a day). This resulted in levels of testosterone similar to those of castrated men. In order to evaluate the effects of buserelin on the primary tumour, a degree of cytological regression was established for all of the patients, using fine-needle aspiration biopsy which was performed every three months. The cytological results correspond with the DNA analyses performed by cytophotometry of isolated cells and reveal a statistically significant reduction in the degree of anaploidy or polyploidy in the cases in which the prostatic cancer had responded favourably to treatment with buserelin. 21 of the 26 patients treated with this potent LH-RH analogue showed a good therapeutic response. 5 patients who did not show any signs of cytological regression were secondarily treated with estramustine phosphate because of their resistance to hormones. One patient received cyclophosphamide as a tertiary treatment because of progression of his symptoms after 15 months. No appreciable side effects were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)