Trends in the use of androgen deprivation in prostate cancer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess current management of prostate cancer patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) among Finnish urologists and oncologists. Four case scenarios were presented: postprostatectomy PSA relapse, postradiotherapy (RT) relapse with a slowly or rapidly rising PSA, elderly patients prior to treatment. Management preferences and the use of androgen deprivation (AD) in prostate cancer were surveyed. Eighty-two informative replies, 60 from 90 practicing urologists (67%) and 22 from 70 practicing oncologists (31%) were received. For postprostatectomy relapse, salvage RT or follow-up until significant rise of PSA were the favored recommendations. For post RT with slowly or rapidly rising PSA and treatment of non-radical cases an active approach with even small PSA rises and immediate androgen deprivation were favored. For intervention, the recommended PSA border values ranged from 0.5 to >100 ng/mL. More research is needed focusing on criteria and timing of AD in the treatment of prostate cancer.