The sustained release of LH · RH agonist from LH · RH agonist‐polymer composite in patients with prostatic cancer

Abstract
Luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH·RH) agonist can be administered daily to patients with prostatic cancer with resulting clinical efficacy. A sustained drug release formulation of an LH·RH agonist, (D‐Leu6)‐des Gly‐NH210‐LH·RH ethylamide (leuprolide)‐vinyl polymer composite, was prepared by means of radiation‐induced polymerization under a supercooled state. The sustained release of leuprolide from subcutaneously implanted leuprolide‐vinyl polymer composite (14 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness) was obtained over a period of several months in five patients with prostatic cancer. Serum testosterone levels began to decrease on the tenth day, fell below 1 ng/ml after three weeks of implantation, and thereafter remained at the castration level until removal of the polymer composite. Clinical improvement was associated with serum hormonal changes, and support this as a novel and superior method of administration of LH·RH agonist.

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