Endocrine therapy of advanced carcinoma of the prostate.

Increasing evidence suggests that growth of the prostatic tissue is regulated by a network of hormones and growth factors, in which androgens play the prominent role. Hormonal manipulation remains the core of treatment for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. Achievement of a complete androgen blockade, by surgical or medical means or a combination of both, offers superior results in palliative management of advanced disease. Management of hormonal refractory cancer, however, remains a challenge to clinicians.