estramustine and Gynecomastia

Ninety-five patients with prostatic carcinoma, stages A-D and of all histological grades were randomized between a continuous and an intermittent treatment regimen of Estracyt (estramustine phosphate). 77 patients were evaluated (46 with continuous and 31 with intermittent therapy). Remissions were seen in 13 (28%) and (13%), respectively. Stable disease was recorded in 30 (65%) and 24 (77%), respectively. Progression experienced 3 (6%) and 3 (10%) respectively. 19% were unable to continue therapy due to intolerable gastrointestinal side effects (7 patients receiving continuous and 8 patients receiving intermittent therapy).

Topics: Aged; Alanine Transaminase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Clinical Trials as Topic; Digestive System; Drug Administration Schedule; Estramustine; Gynecomastia; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nitrogen Mustard Compounds; Prostatic Neoplasms; Random Allocation

Carcinoma of the prostate gland is the second most frequent malignancy in males, accounting for 17% of cancer in men; between a third and one-half of these patients will have distant metastases at onset, but rarely cutaneous. We now report a case of prostatic adenocarcinoma with such metastases involving the right nipple and periareolar skin, overlying an area of hormone-induced gynaecomastia.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Estramustine; Fatal Outcome; Gynecomastia; Humans; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms