Irani J et al. – Pts with systematically interrupted androgen suppression (SIAS) were maintained off-therapy in 50% of cases; insufficient testosterone recovery in these pts may explains why differences between the two groups were moderate or absent with regards to health-related quality of life (HQOL) and survival, respectively Methods
Study of SIAS 6 mo/year vs continuous androgen suppression (CAS) in prostate cancer treatment
Maximal androgen blockade for 6 mo for all pts, then randomization to either CAS (62 pts) or SIAS (67)
Primary end points: pt's HQOL and time to progression
Secondary end points: cancer-specific and overall survival
Progression defined by clinical event or PSA value >double the value obtained after first 6 mo of therapy
Results
No significant differences between groups at baseline
Androgen suppression was associated with HQOL deterioration except for an improvement in urinary symptoms
The 6-mo off-therapy period was not long enough to regain normal testosterone values
HQOL scores similar between groups, except SIAS pts had greater need for painkillers and better erection ability
Progression in 62 pts (48.1%) with no significant difference between CAS and SIAS at mean follow-up of 44.8 mo
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