Authors' objectives:

This report aims to review the clinical evidence for the use of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists (LAs) compared to antiandrogens (AA), diethylstilbestrol (DES), orchiectomy or combination pharmacotherapy (i.e. LA plus AA) in nonadjuvant treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. Adjuvant therapy with non-drug interventions such as surgery and radiotherapy were not considered.

Authors' recommendations: For locally advanced prostate cancer: - No statistically significant differences in objective response rates, overall survival rates or progression-free survival rates are found between LAs and LAs plus AA combination. - Findings are based on two studies and should be interpreted with caution. - There is insufficient evidence to make other comparisons. For metastatic prostate cancer: - There is a possible advantage in objective response rates when LAs are compared with estrogen therapy, but no overall or progression-free survival advantage is found. - The combination therapy of LAs with AAs has a potential survival benefit over monotherapy. This advantage varies in magnitude and is not identified for all treatment periods or for all LAs. These results are based on limited evidence and should be interpreted with caution.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)