A glimpse at the future of some endocrine aspects of prostate cancer.

There is new scientific information on the relationship between androgenic hormones and prostate cancer. In spite of a plausible association between androgenic hormones and the development of prostate cancer, precise mechanisms are lacking. Racial variability in the incidence of prostate cancer may be related to hormonal influences but suggestive observations were noted in studies with a small sample size. Currently, a serum hormone profile will not identify groups or individuals at higher risk of prostate cancer. The earlier integration of hormonal therapy into treatment plans for prostate cancer will substantially alter the model. Early treatment may be vastly more expensive, and the long-term benefit is uncertain. The aggregate costs of hormonal treatment for prostate cancer to the health care system will require a re-evaluation of less expensive, traditional methods for androgen deprivation.