Role of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer: perspective from Japanese experiences

Hormonal therapy has been playing an important role in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, it has recently been the subject of criticism that it shows minimal effectiveness, it may reduce patients’ quality of life, and induce adverse effects. On the other hand, next-generation hormonal drugs have provided new strategies for hormonal therapy to overcome advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to accumulate further clinical evidence concerning the efficacy and adverse effects of hormonal therapy. And, what is important for the treatment of prostate cancer is how we use hormonal therapy most effectively. This article presents a review of the possible roles of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer based upon experience in Japan.