Starting in 1986, the European School of Oncology has expanded its activities in postgraduate teaching, which consisted mainly of traditional disease-orientated courses, by promoting new educational initiatives. One of these is the cloister seminars, short meetings intended for highly qualified oncologists and dealing with specific, controversial aspects of clinical practice and research. Another is the institution of permanent study groups, also called task forces, where a limited number of leading experts are invited to meet once a year with the aim of defining the state of the art and possibly reaching a consensus on developments and treatment in specific fields of oncology. This series of ESO Monographs was designed with the specific purpose of disseminating the results of the most interesting of the seminars and study groups, and providing concise and updated reviews of the subjects discussed. It wa& decided to keep the layout very simple in order to keep costs to a minimum and make the monographs available in the shortest possible time, thus overcoming a common problem in medical literature: that of the material being outdated even before publication.

Klappentext

How to treat advanced prostatic cancer remains controversial, despite intense basic and clinical research investigating the pathogenesis and natural history of this unique cancer highly prevalent in elderly males. Nine experts were asked to meet and discuss the facts. This resulting monograph gives an overview of the available knowledge on all aspects of the subject. The objective evaluation and consensus opinion of the authors presented here set this book apart from other publications with conflicting viewpoints. For readers eager to obtain a comprehensive and balanced view of the thousands of clinical contributions and clear advice on the choices, this book is a must.

Inhalt
Aspects of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Natural History of Prostatic Cancer.- Oncogenes, Tumour Markers and Monoclonal Antibodies.- The Endocrinological Basis for Hormonal Therapy.- Estrogens and Estramustine Phosphate.- Antiandrogens.- Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Agonists.- Chemical Adrenal Blockade Treatment.- Total Androgen Blockade.- Second-Line Endocrine Treatment.- Chemotherapy.- The Clinical and Financial Implications of Immediate or Deferred Treatment in Patients with Advanced Prostatic Cancer.- Treatment Recommendations for Daily Practice.