Re-induction of hormone sensitivity to diethylstilboestrol in androgen refractory prostate cancer patients following chemotherapy

The majority of patients with hormone sensitive prostate cancer become hormone refractory over time. Recently, Shamash et al (2005) reported on the reinduction of hormone-sensitivity in androgen refractory prostate cancer patients following chemotherapy with lomustine and chlorambucil. In their prospective study, eight out of 17 (47%) patients who were rechallenged with hormonal therapy following the failure of chemotherapy had a prostate specific antigen (PSA) response. Interestingly, 50% (four out of eight) of the patients responded to rechallenge with diethylstillboestrol (DES). We have had a similar experience in two patients following chemotherapy with docetaxel and prednisolone.