Parenteral oestrogen in the treatment of prostate cancer: a systematic review
2008

Parenteral Oestrogen for Prostate Cancer

Sample size: 3627 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Norman G, Dean M E, Langley R E, Hodges Z C, Ritchie G, Parmar M K B, Sydes M R, Abel P, Eastwood A J

Primary Institution: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York

Hypothesis

What is the effectiveness and safety of parenteral oestrogen in treating prostate cancer?

Conclusion

Parenteral oestrogen is as effective as other treatments for prostate cancer without increasing cardiovascular mortality.

Supporting Evidence

  • Twenty trials were included in the review.
  • The results provide no evidence that parenteral oestrogen is less effective than LHRH or orchidectomy.
  • Further well-conducted trials of parenteral oestrogen are required.
  • Concerns about long-term toxicity of current treatments were noted.
  • Parenteral oestrogen avoids first-pass metabolism, potentially reducing cardiovascular risks.

Takeaway

This study looked at how well parenteral oestrogen works for prostate cancer and found it to be just as good as other treatments without causing more heart problems.

Methodology

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and other studies on parenteral oestrogen for prostate cancer was conducted.

Potential Biases

Many studies lacked sufficient detail on randomization and blinding, raising concerns about bias.

Limitations

The included studies were generally of poor quality and varied in patient populations and treatment protocols.

Participant Demographics

The studies included a mix of patients with metastatic and locally advanced prostate cancer, with varying prior treatments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.90, 1.10

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604230

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication