BJU International
BJU International
5 years ago

Are all gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists equivalent for the treatment of prostate cancer? A systematic review

Thomas H Lynch, Eva M Bolton
Objectives To review comparative studies of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists goserelin, triptorelin, and leuprorelin for the treatment of prostate cancer, and identify whether there are meaningful clinical differences between these agents. Methods In June 2017, the following searches were performed independently by two reviewers in PubMed: (i) ‘prostate cancer’ and ‘triptorelin’ and ‘leuprorelin’, (ii) ‘prostate cancer’ and ‘triptorelin’ and ‘goserelin’, and (iii) ‘prostate cancer’ and ‘goserelin’ and ‘leuprorelin’, without time restriction. Duplicates were deleted. Relevant conference abstracts were also screened. Results A total of 16 head-to-head trials were identified: 12 reported on efficacy outcomes, four on safety/tolerability, and five on the convenience of administration/user perceptions. These studies are restricted in terms of patient numbers, formulations assessed, and endpoints measured; none have been adequately powered for survival outcome measures. Studies reporting on efficacy endpoints do not show major differences in the ability of these GnRH agonists to reduce levels of testosterone or prostate-specific antigen. Some studies suggest differences in short- or long-term testosterone control, the rate of injection site adverse events, and patient/healthcare professional perceptions, but definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from the existing evidence. Conclusion Few head-to-head comparative trials of GnRH agonists have been conducted. While GnRH agonists provide a similar castration effect, there is not enough evidence to show that GnRH agonists are equivalent. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1111/bju.14168

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