[Interdependence between hormonal disorders, stage of development and degree of malignancy of prostatic cancer. 1].

The aim of this study was to determine whether in human clinical practice destruction of the prostate gland by a malignant process is accompanied by a fall in serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels. Mean serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were significantly lower and LH levels notably higher in patients with metastases than in those without metastases. No notable differences were found between serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels in relation to the degree of malignancy of the tumours. Concentrations of relatively inactive androgens (DHA and delta-4-androstenedione) in the serum were normal. The fall in serum concentration levels with later increase in LH levels is probably caused by malignant destruction of the prostate gland.