Current status and prospects of androgen depletion therapy for prostate cancer.

The old concept of androgen depletion therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, which had been established on the basis of clinical experiences essentially on the far advanced disease, should be changed. The recent major increase in the diagnosis of localized and locally advanced prostate cancer due to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening prompts us to make clear the role of ADT for such an early stage of prostate cancer. Recent literature has proved that combination therapy of castration (medical or surgical) and non-steroidal anti-androgens (maximal androgen blockade, MAB, or combined androgen blockade, CAB) is markedly effective on non-metastatic prostate cancer. It is important to promote basic and clinical research based on the understanding that cure of prostate cancer is almost always possible with ADT if progression to the hormone-independent prostate cancer which accompanies metastatic disease can be avoided.