A patient with advanced prostate cancer will begin treatment with leuprolide [Lupron]. The provider has ordered flutamide to be given as adjunct therapy. The patient asks the nurse why both drugs are necessary. The nurse will tell the patient that:

Question

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Flutamide is given with GnRH agonists, such as leuprolide, to prevent tumor flare when GnRH therapy is begun. Flutamide increases hot flushes. Leuprolide does not decrease flutamide toxicity. There is no increase in cancer survival with this combination.

A Patient with Advanced Prostate Cancer Will Begin Treatment with Leuprolide