Interim report of a large French multicentre study of efficacy and safety of 3.75 mg leuprorelin depot in metastatic prostatic cancer.

A study carried out in 470 patients with metastasized adenocarcinoma of the prostate confirmed the efficacy of 3.75 mg leuprorelin acetate depot given subcutaneously once monthly. Bone pain was rapidly decreased and the general condition of patients and urinary signs improved. Sexual activity was maintained in 50% of patients. After 3 months' treatment, there was no progression in 95% of patients, complete regression in 39% and partial regression in 49%; 17% of cases were stabilized. Improvement in clinical signs was directly related to a decline in amounts of prostate-specific antigen and was associated with a decline in serum testosterone concentrations within 3-4 weeks of starting treatment. Leuprorelin acetate depot was well tolerated and was easy to store and use.