Endocrine treatment of prostatic cancer.

Data are drawn from the pertinent literature supporting diethylstilbestrol for initial endocrine treatment of advanced prostatic cancer. When diethylstilbestrol is given in a dosage of 2 mg daily, the risk of cardiovascular complications is low. Bilateral orchiectomy is reserved for high-risk patients or those intolerant of estrogen. To prevent possible complications of uncontrolled tumor growth and perhaps to increase survival time, endocrine treatment of advanced prostatic cancer should be started early.