Investigational luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists and other hormonal agents in early stage clinical trials for prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment and management of prostate cancer continues to evolve; newer classes of agents and combination therapies are being developed and some are being investigated in early phase clinical trials.

AREAS COVERED: We discuss investigational hormonal agents for the treatment of prostate cancer and focus primarily on luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists in early stage trials. We look at agents that target the hormonal axis, including anti-androgens, gonadotropins, estrogenic agents and progestogenic agents and other non-hormonal agents often used in combination with LHRH agonists. We review these candidates in the specific clinical niche in which they might find utility.

EXPERT OPINION: Of all candidate compounds being evaluated in clinical trials, very few will receive FDA approval. Few, if any of the investigational agents discussed here will be used routinely in clinical practice for treating prostate cancer. Recognizing the reasons for the failure of agents to advance to later stage trials is important. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying prostate cancer pathogenesis, including various points in the HGPA and parallel pathways, will help identify potentially actionable targets.