Treatment of Prostatic Carcinoma with Polyestradiol Phosphate Combined with Ethinylestradiol

Abstract

One-hundred-and-twenty-six patients with prostatic carcinoma were treated with polyestradiolphosphate (Estradurin) combined with ethinylestradiol or stil-bestrol. Classified according to the criteria set up by the Veteran's Administration Cooperative Urological Research Group, USA, 35 were in stages I+ 11, 42 in stage III and 49 in stage IV. In previous investigations, treatment with Estradurin, which is a mild inhibitor of gonadotropin, has proved beneficial. It was thought that combined treatment with Estradurin and a stronger inhibitor of gonadotropin might be more effective. All of the patients had a firm diagnosis of carcinoma. 36% had metastases before the beginning of treatment. In 25% the acid phosphatases were increased. 24% had cardiovascular disease. 78 (62%) patients survived at least 5 years. The main cause of death was the basic disease. In 9 cases it was cardiovascular disease. Patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease die from this complication more often than those without. Throughout treatment the patients were carefully examined for cardiovascular disorders. All complications, especially oedema, were treated without delay.