Androcur in therapy of patients with prostate cancer

Abstract

Androcur is one of basic drugs for the hormonal treatment of patients with prostate cancer. A great number of randomized studies showing the efficacy of androcur alone and in combination with other hormonal treatments have been completed. When orally or intramuscularly administered, the drug is well tolerated, showing the equal efficacy. Androcur used before treatment with luteinizing hormone-realizing hormone agonists is effective in inhibiting the «flash» syndrome. A combination of the agent with surgical or medical castration enhances the efficiency of therapy and improves the quality of life, by reducing the incidence of adverse reactions, such as hot flashes and hyperhidrosis. Androcur therapy prior to radical prostatectomy decreases the frequency of positive surgical edge while neoadjuvant therapy used before radiotherapy enhances the efficiency of radiation and reduces the number of local recurrences.