Urologic oncology
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To determine whether early initiation of androgen ablation in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, but without clinically evident metastases, is associated with improved overall or disease-specific survival. To describe subgroups, based on PSA kinetics, which are most likely to benefit from early androgen ablation. ⋯ This survival benefit justifies the use of androgen ablation in patients whose doubling time approaches 7 months. A randomized trial is needed to confirm these findings, investigate potential benefit for patients with longer doubling times, and gather data on the morbidity of early hormone ablation, including quality of life issues.