Combination finasteride and flutamide in advanced carcinoma of the prostate: effective therapy with minimal side effects

J Urol. 1995 Nov;154(5):1642-5; discussion 1645-6.

Abstract

Purpose: The efficacy of the combination of finasteride and flutamide in select patients with advanced prostatic cancer is determined.

Materials and methods: A total of 22 sexually active patients with stages C and D1 carcinoma of the prostate was treated with finasteride plus flutamide. Mean followup was 22 months.

Results: Initial mean prostate specific antigen level was 42.9 ng./ml. At 3 and 6 months, the mean prostate specific antigen level was 3.6 ng./ml. and 2.9 ng./ml., respectively. The results appear durable at 24 months. Side effects were minimal, with 86% of the men maintaining sexual function.

Conclusions: Finasteride plus flutamide should be considered in sexually active patients with minimal volume advanced prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Finasteride / administration & dosage
  • Flutamide / administration & dosage
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Remission Induction
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Testosterone
  • Finasteride
  • Flutamide
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen