Orchiectomy versus Long‐acting D‐Trp‐6‐LHRH in Advanced Prostatic Cancer

Summary— One hundred and four patients were randomised for the study. Fifty‐five were entered into the D‐Trp‐6‐LHRH group and 49 into the orchiectomy group. All pre‐treatment patient characteristics were similar and testosterone levels at 1 month or later were in the castrate range in both groups. Forty‐six patients (83%) in the D‐Trp‐6‐LHRH group and 40 (82%) in the orchiectomy group had a partial remission or stable disease at 3 months or later. There was no significant difference between the groups for response or survival. Three patients in the D‐Trp‐6‐LHRH group had a disease “flare” in the first 10 days of treatment. The flare symptoms resolved by the end of 4 to 8 weeks. The incidence of flushing, decreased libido and impotence was similar in both groups. Although there was less psychological morbidity in the D‐Trp‐6‐LHRH group the difference did not reach statistical significance. Our results indicate that long‐acting D‐Trp‐6‐LHRH offers a safe and highly effective alternative to orchiectomy.