Fourteen retrospective studies (1599 patients) and 6 RCTs (2289 patients) were included.
Significant results were indicated in the tables by bold numbers which were not always easy to differentiate from non-bold printed results. No level was reported for classifying results as statistically significant. The abbreviation DMFS was used as an outcome without definition.
Differences in study design included the following: unequal distributions of pre-treatment prognostic factors including stage, grade, and prostate specific antigen levels; substantial variability in the type, duration, and timing of hormonal manipulation; significantly different end points used to judge efficacy; variable total dose and technique of radiotherapy; and large differences in median follow-up.
Retrospective studies. Local control (4 studies): results inconsistent with 2 studies reporting no significant difference between group and 2 favouring androgen suppression. Disease free survival (6 studies): results inconsistent with 4 studies reporting no significant difference and 2 favouring androgen suppression. DMFS (6 studies): results inconsistent with 6 studies reporting no significant difference and 1 favouring androgen suppression. Overall survival (7 studies): results inconsistent with 5 studies reporting no significant difference and 2 favouring androgen suppression. Biochemical control (4 studies): results inconsistent with 1 study reporting no significant difference and 3 favouring androgen suppression. Cancer specific survival (1 study): no significant difference.
RCTs: Local control (5 studies): results inconsistent with 1 study reporting no significant difference and 4 favouring androgen suppression. Disease free survival (4 studies): results inconsistent with 2 studies reporting no significant difference and 2 favouring androgen suppression. DMFS (3 studies): all 3 favoured androgen suppression. Overall survival (5 studies): results inconsistent with 4 studies reporting no significant difference and 1 favouring androgen suppression. Biochemical control (4 studies): results consistent with all 4 favouring androgen suppression. Cancer specific survival (1 study): favours androgen suppression.