[Treatment of metastatic prostatic cancer with monthly injections of leuprolide acetate depot].

Seventy-two patients were admitted in a multicentre trial with the purpose of assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of the hormonal control and tolerance of leuprolide acetate in a once-a-month depot injection formulation for the treatment of disseminated prostate cancer. During a 1-year follow-up, there were ten withdrawals for different reasons. At baseline and at 6 months of treatment the following parameters were evaluated: clinical examination, routine blood analysis, PAP, PSA, LH and testosterone, as well as bone scan. LH and testosterone determinations were repeated at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. Testosterone reached castration levels within the second week and was maintained until the end of the study. In agreement with the NPCP criteria, 65 patients were assessed as: complete response 3%, partial response 40%, disease stabilization 36%, and progression 21%. In summary, a once-a-month injection of leuprolide acetate offers a safe and effective alternative to surgical castration.