ZOLADEX® (goserelin), a GnRH agonist, suppresses testosterone to castrate levels, managing locally confined and advanced prostate cancer through combination therapy with flutamide and radiation or as palliative treatment, while addressing risks of tumor flare, metabolic, and cardiovascular complications.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Clinical Applications of ZOLADEX in Prostate Cancer Management

ZOLADEX® (goserelin 10.8 mg implant) exerts its therapeutic effect via sustained suppression of pituitary gonadotropins, reducing serum testosterone to surgically castrated levels (~21 days post-initiation). For locally confined Stage B2-C prostate carcinoma, combining ZOLADEX with flutamide and radiation (initiated 8 weeks pre-radiotherapy) significantly reduces local failure rates (16% vs. 33% at 4 years) and prolongs median disease-free survival (4.4 vs. 2.6 years). In advanced prostate cancer, it provides palliative benefits comparable to orchiectomy, with similar endocrine responses and survival outcomes. Pharmacokinetic studies confirm stable testosterone suppression over 12-week dosing intervals. Adverse effects, including tumor flare (transient testosterone surge), hyperglycemia, and cardiovascular risks, necessitate vigilant monitoring. The drug’s efficacy in renal/hepatic impairment populations remains unchanged, with no dose adjustments required. Non-prostate indications or pediatric use are not specified in the description.