Goserelin - another LH-RH analog for prostate cancer

Article Abstract:

A new medication for the palliative treatment (relief of symptoms) of advanced prostate cancer has been approved. The medication is goserelin acetate, sold by ICI Pharma under the brand name Zoladex. Goserelin is similar to another drug, leuprolide (Lupron); both are luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) analogs. LH-RH analogs cause a series of hormonal effects, leading to reduction of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone to the levels that are achieved by orchiectomy (surgical removal of the testicles). Goserelin is given once a month as an implant (depot injection), and is as effective as orchiectomy in cases of prostate cancer with metastasis (spreading of the cancer). Studies have found that goserelin is similar to orchiectomy or estrogen therapy in terms of response to treatment and survival rates. There was no difference between orchiectomy and goserelin in the following side effects: hot flashes, reduced sex drive, and decreased erections. Patients who have spinal cord compression due to tumor growth may experience a worsening of this condition if given any LH-RH analog such as goserelin. Another condition that can be exacerbated by the drug is obstruction of the ureter with azotemia (blockage of the passage of urine with increased levels of urea in the blood); these patients can still be treated with a LH-RH analog, but are also given an antiandrogen drug. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Leuprolide, Lupron (Medication), Goserelin, Zoladex (Medication)

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St. John's wort

Article Abstract:

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, may be an effective treatment for depression, but better studies of longer duration are needed to establish both effectiveness and its safety. In 23 randomized trials with a total of 1,757 patients who had mild or moderate depression, extracts of hypericum seemed as effective as standard antidepressants. However, the studies seem flawed. In most, the diagnosis of depression was inadequate and the dosage of antidepressants was low. The dosage of the hypericum extract varied as much as six times from one test to another, and the tests ranged in duration from two weeks to 12 weeks.

Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), St. John's wort, Hypericum, Hypericin

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PC Spes

Article Abstract:

PC Spes is an herbal supplement that has been used to treat prostate cancer. Two studies show that it can lower blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), but it also has side effects similar to estrogen.

Alternative medicine

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