Twice-yearly LHRH agonist injection now available

Leuprolide acetate (Eligard), 45 mg, is now commercially available in the United States for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer patients, according to its marketer, Sanofi-Aventis, Bridgewater, NJ.

After the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist is injected subcutaneously, it forms a solid bead that slowly releases leuprolide over the course of 6 months.

"Patients who can benefit from the 6-month formulation include those who express a desire for fewer injections, travel a great deal or may be away from home for long periods, patients with restrictive work schedules, and those who live far from their physician's office or have transportation difficulties," said Oliver Sartor, MD, of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

The FDA approved the 6-month injectable hormonal therapy in December 2004.