Hormonal management of stage D carcinoma of the prostate.

A variety of new agents is available for the hormonal treatment of prostatic cancer. None of these agents has shown itself to be superior to bilateral orchiectomy, but their individual side effects profiles may make one more appealing than another. Total androgen ablation may offer a slight survival advantage over partial androgen ablation, but this must be weighed in terms of increased side effects and overall cost. Hormonal therapy remains an effective palliative but not curative means of treating advanced prostatic cancer.