[Transrectal echography and cancer of the prostate. III. Monitoring of the treatment response]. / Ecografía transrectal y cáncer de próstata. III. Monitorización de la respuesta al tratamiento.

The role of transrectal ultrasonography in monitoring response of prostate cancer to treatment with ciproterone acetate is described. In our therapeutic protocol for prostate cancer, those included between categories 7 and 9 are submitted to antidrogen therapy, regardless of the type of surgical procedure indicated in each case. Fifty-one patients submitted to this treatment modality were followed using transrectal ultrasound 3 months following diagnosis and every 6 months thereafter. The mean follow-up was 2 years Using the intrinsic and morphologic ultrasound parameters we have developed at our department, we can conclude that the changes in prostate size or volume and the changes in the intensity of brightness are the most reliable parameters in assessing the response to treatment. A good response to treatment is manifested by the reduced size of prostate and reduced intensity of brightness ("dark prostate").