Prostate cancer: the role of hormonal therapy

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the cause of more than 1% of all deaths in men. Its incidence is increasing by 2-3% per year. The general prognosis for diagnosed prostate cancer remains poor, with 70% survival at 10 years compared to the general population. About 50% of the cases are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage, and about 30% have bone metastases at the time of diagnosis. Adjuvant systemic treatments (hormones or chemotherapy), which are effective for advanced-stage disease, might have a greater role in early-stage disease. Advanced prostate cancer is an incurable disease. Treatment objective is palliation only. Here, we review the major controversies concerning hormonal therapy, and provide a general approach to management of patients with early-stage and advanced prostate cancer.