[Current aspects of hormonal therapy in prostate cancer].

The following endocrine treatment modalities have been used in advanced prostatic carcinoma: 1. orchiectomy plus estrogens; 2. primary orchiectomy with delayed estrogen employment; 3. initial estrogen therapy with delayed orchiectomy; 4. initial cyproterone acetate or medroxyprogesterone acetate; 5. a combination treatment: estramustine phosphate, cyproterone acetate or estrogens plus bromocriptine. The application of phase-III studies permits the subsequent conclusions: Simultaneous orchiectomy is to no advantage (exception: urinary stasis). Cyproterone acetate does neither yield better nor worse results regarding survival than estrogen alone, but has fewer side effects. Estrogens and cyproterone acetate produce a rise of serum prolactin justifying the use of bromocriptine (or lisuride). Estramustine phosphate should be reserved for relapsing prostatic cancer.