Orchidectomy and estrogen therapy of carcinoma of the prostate

The bases of current treatment of prostatic carcinoma orchidectomy and estrogen therapy are discussed. Orchidectomy is the safest and most effective method of halting androgen production. The effect of estrogen treatment is explained primarily by "drug castration." For optimal effectiveness the currently available estrogens should be evaluated by drug and dosage. Therefore an outline of the pharmacological characteristics of Cyren-A Cyren-B Estradurin Honvan Merbentul and Progynon-depot estrogen preparations widely available in Germany is presented. The most common side effect of estrogen therapy gynecomastia can be controlled with pretherapy radiation.