Diethylstilboestrol for the treatment of prostate cancer: past, present and future

2013/11/21 by Rafał Turo, Michal Smolski, Rachel Esler +8 · 3 citations
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research #Hormonal and reproductive studies #Estrogen and related hormone effects

paper · doi:10.3109/21681805.2013.861508

openalex publication_date 2013/11/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

The aim of this review was to discuss the most recent data from current trials of diethylstilboestrol (DES) to identify its present role in advanced prostate cancer treatment as new hormonal therapies emerge. The most relevant clinical studies using DES in castration-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC) were identified from the literature. The safety, efficacy, outcomes and mechanisms of action are summarized. In the age of chemotherapy this review highlights the efficacy of oestrogen therapy in CRPC. The optimal point in the therapeutic pathway at which DES should be prescribed remains to be established.

Citations

• The Nonsteroidal Effects of Diethylstilbestrol: The Rationale for Androgen Deprivation Therapy Without Estrogen Deprivation in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
• Adrenal glands of mouse and rat do not synthesize androgens
• Estrogen therapy and liver function—metabolic effects of oral and parenteral administration

Cited by

• Androgen Deprivation Therapy and the Re-emergence of Parenteral Estrogen in Prostate Cancer
• Estrogen (medication) [wikipedia]
• Ethinylestradiol [wikipedia]