The Role of Hormonal Therapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer—Regional Perspectives: Europe

Prostate cancer is a significant and increasing healthcare burden in Europe. Patient characteristics are one important factor in determining optimal therapy. Efficacy and survival benefits need to be balanced against the patient’s quality of life. In other areas of oncology, such as breast cancer, significant adverse events are endured to achieve these survival benefits. There are still many unanswered questions and challenges in the hormonal management of prostate cancer. These relate to the benefits of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, the timing and duration of treatment and the development of hormone resistance. This paper reviews the management practices in Europe and the ongoing research to evaluate new treatment options.