THE EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN ADVANCED CARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE

Abstract

SUMMARY Five men with advanced metastatic carcinoma of the prostate have undergone surgical hypophysectomy. All four who survived the operation have shown worth‐while subjective and objective improvement which in two patients has so far lasted over one year. Three of these patients had relapsed after responding to oestrogen treatment, but subsequently improved after hypophysectomy. Pituitary ablation appears to be an effective means of palliating the late stages of carcinoma of the prostate, but until the indications and long‐term effects are more clearly defined it should remain primarily an investigational procedure. We are most grateful to all the members of the Royal Free Hospital staff who have assisted in the care of these patients and in particular Dr J. Willis (consultant anaesthetist), Mr Harland Rees, Mr H. S. Williams (hospital physicist), and Sister P. Bennett. The generous financial support of the British Empire Cancer Campaign is acknowledged with gratitude.