Effectiveness of Castration Versus Intravenous Estrogen Therapy in Producing Rapid Endocrine Control of Metastatic Cancer of the Prostate

Abstract

Nine men with histologically confirmed stage D cancer of the prostate were evaluated with serial serum testosterone levels after being treated with bilateral orchiectomy or intravenous estrogen. Bilateral orchiectomy produced castrate serum testosterone levels (less than or equal to 50 ng. per 100 ml.) within 2 to 6 hours (mean 3 hours) after surgery. Intravenous estrogen therapy did not consistently produce castrate serum testosterone levels immediately but did significantly decrease testosterone within 12 hours after infusion. Both forms of therapy are safe, produce a clinically effective response and offer advantages for patients with advanced prostatic cancer.